Ms. Dortch-O’Hannon at her desk.

Ms. Sacha O’Hannon-Dortch, who often goes by Ms. Dortch, is a new tenth grade English teacher here at Roosevelt. Although she is new to the school, she is not new to teaching. She has been teaching for “17 wonderful years,” beginning her teaching career in Wilmington, Delaware and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after graduating from Delaware State University.

Ms. Dortch noted that her passion for education was “sparked after reading Toni Morrison’s acclaimed novel, Song of Solomon.” Through this transformative experience, she “realized the power of literature to provide insight into diverse perspectives and lived experiences.” She says that this inspired her to become an educator in order to “provide students with access to the knowledge and empathy gained through reading.”

As mentioned earlier, Ms. Dortch has had teaching experiences from her last schools, but teaching in a new school is a challenge in and of itself. Roosevelt’s eight period day is a switch for her this year, but  she states that “the fast paced 45 minute periods offer an invigorating change from the 70-minute ‘A-day’ and ‘B-day’ mod schedule” that she had been accustomed to in her old school. Yet, despite the need to adjust, Ms. Dortch added that “[her] time passes swiftly and I cherish the opportunity to interact with my students on a daily basis.”

Ms. Dortch “decided to join the exceptional community at Eleanor Roosevelt High School” as she had heard that this school has an “outstanding reputation within the county.” She finally adds that “it is an honor and a pleasure to be a part of the ERHS family. I look forward to reading, writing, and exploring new ideas with my students this year.”