The American Experience
A Marriage of History and Literature
INFORMATION
Read below to find out a little bit more about our course, the people we work with, and our policies.
1: THE CLASS
We have entitled our course, The American Experience. But really, this class is a blending of AP US History with AP Language and Composition. We have embedded the study of rhetoric and literature into the historical content. Basically, we study the American history and analyze the associated documents and any contemporary works associated thematically. We write a lot. We study and read a lot. Ultimately, we think a lot.
2:THE PARTNERSHIPS
We have been blessed with a number of partnerships that enhance our content. In terms of organizations, we have been able to pair with an Artist in Residence through a partnership with Gateway Center for the Arts. The artist helps us to create projects that act as ways for students to interact with the content, learn new concepts, and reinforce what we are teaching. Ultimately, they help us to think outside of the box.
We have also been immensely lucky to work with a local naturalist and parent, Betsy Bangley. She helps our students to write nature journals and acts as the soul of our nature journaling process. She compares herself to the Crone and a border collie but we see her more as some sort of pure physical embodiment of the Oversoul.
Finally, we are supported by our administration both financially and through their willingness to back us up when we want to be part of some unusual project (a giant mosaic made of plates? Sure!).
Thank you to everyone. We mean it when we say, we couldn't have done it without you.
3:THE INSTRUCTORS
Mr. Ochtun
I received my Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education from Duquesne University and my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Clarion University. I have also been endorsed by Fordham University as an AP Language and Composition instructor. My career at South Side Area High School began in 2004. Over the years I have taught Ninth Grade Honors English, Pre-AP World Literature 9, English 10 British Literature, Pre-AP British Literature 10, Eleventh Grade English, Eleventh Grade College Preparatory English, Eleventh Grade Honors English, AP Language and Composition (through The American Experience), Twelfth Grade English, Alternative Education English, Creative Writing, Oral Communications, and Science Fiction Literature. I am also the High School Gifted Support Teacher and English Department Chair.
On a more personal note, I am married to my high school sweetheart. We have been blessed with two quirky and adorable sons who are full of energy. They keep us on our toes.
As a teacher, I hope to inspire my students to love literature and learning. I work everyday to let my students know that they can all be successful. It is important for them to understand that I am a partner in this process and that I will work with them towards this end.
Mr. McCoy
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education from Robert Morris University in 2008 and a Master's Degree in Instructional Leadership from the same university. I am also certified to teach Secondary English Education. I have been teaching at South Side full time since 2012. I am proud to teach at the district I attended and hope I can inspire students to learn about the world around them.