• About Mr. Ryan J. Novak...

    Position: AP Language and Composition and AP Seminar

    Team/Department: English Department

    Room: C207

    Phone: (480) 883-5093

    Email: Mr. Ryan J. Novak

    Mr. Ryan J. Novak

    Connect With Us

    Click here to connect with us on our school social media pages, Infinite Campus Portal (assignments and grades), by email, or by phone.

    Welcome!

    Greetings all and welcome to my teacher page. I am a veteran teacher of now 15 years (and counting) and have taught every grade level for English, in addition to Film Studies, Creative Writing, Mythology, and Speech. This year I am teaching AP Language and Composition and English 10 and am the new English department chair. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out any time via the methods listed on the page.

    My Education and Professional Background

    BA English - Writing from Missouri State University (2004) and M.A. Teaching from Missouri State University (2014) Nixa High School, Nixa, MO (2010-2012); Dixon High School, Dixon, MO (2012-2017); San Tan Foothills High School, San Tan Valley, AZ (2017-2020); and Hamilton High School, Chandler, AZ (2020-present)

    My Educational Philosophy

    My educational philosophy is based on social structure; the idea that human beings are social creatures with an inherent need to form enduring relationships with each other. It is through this need that we grow as people and is the root of where our education takes place. Our inner drive to learn, and therefore grow, is inside all of us and must come from taking advantage of our basic human curiosities and expanding on something once we have mastered its basic tenets. A student is not just his or her mind but feelings as well. For them to become a whole person, they have to be in touch with who they are first in order for them to understand what will drive them now and in the future, and their journey to become who they are will no doubt be filled with conflict and frustration. Though it will be difficult at times to overcome, the struggle and growth that comes with it are necessary components as they grow with their personalities and understanding.