My name is Ms. Ballard, and I will be your guide through this literary journey that begins with the first texts of a new culture and continues on into the present.
About me: I was valedictorian of my graduating class long, long ago in the 90's, and then went on to receive a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia. I currently hold 36 graduate hours in English Literature as well as teaching certification from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. My graduate studies focus is on Renaissance and Modern British Drama, but my literary interests are wide-open!
While my love of literature brought me to the teaching field, that's not my only interest. My passions outside of the classroom include spending time with my awesome Golden Retriever, Ellie Bean, volunteering at Pet Helpers, and long distance running. [In fact, Icompleted my fifth marathon to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with their Team In Training (TNT) program on 5 November 2012, and I'm training for a 40-mile race on 15 June 2013. You can read about my TNT races by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.] I'm a bit of a movie buff, watching everything from spaghetti westerns, to Coen brothers flicks, to kung fu theatre, to Breakfast at Tiffany's. And, I love good, vegetarian food (too much, unfortunately!)
Should you need any assistance navigating our class this semester, please feel free to stop in or schedule to see me during my planning (4th block) or after school (schedule in advance). You may also email me at aballard@mail.colleton.k12.sc.us or leave voice mail at extension 52211.