Ms. Hannah Yeam has worked at RTHS her entire 16 year career where she is the Language Team Leader. She currently teaches English 4, Multicultural Lit, FYE, and Dual Credit English 101/102. 

"I love making connections with students through their own lived experiences and learning from each other through what we read and write in the classroom (and outside of it as well). Reading and writing provides so many incredible opportunities to understand our past, explore new ideas, engage with people similar and different to us, and grow as individuals."

Mr. Tony Cantu has been an educator for 7 years and a part of the RTHS Language team for 3 years. He currently teaches English 1, Honors English 1, and English 2. 

"I love helping kids find their voice, and teaching them to think critically."

Mrs. Allison Cox has been an educator for 20 years and has been a part of the RTHS Language team for 13 years. She currently teaches Strategic Literacy 1, 2, and 3. 

"I love getting to know my students through our discussions about characters in books. High school students may not volunteer much information about themselves to their teachers, but they sure have many opinions about a character's actions or motivations. I learn so much about them this way. I know that a good relationship has been established with a student when I am able to recommend books to them and they ask me: 'How did you know I would love this book?' I usually answer, 'because I know you!'"

Ms. Liz Dietz has been an educator for 6 years and has spent her entire career as a part of RTHS's Language team. She currently teaches English 1, English 3, and AP Language. 

"Writing is complex and many students view written expression as an impossible task. I love teaching writing since students will often discover that the act of writing is messy and is a recursive journey with no determined destination. Developing writing skills provides students with ownership in their life and teaching writing is about empowering others."

Mrs. Sara Hafer has been an educator for 20 years and has been a part of the RTHS team for 19 years. She currently teaches Intro to Public Speaking & Advanced Communications.

"Communication is something that is an integral part of our daily lives, but we don't always have the confidence to be the best communicators. I love watching students gain confidence in both their interpersonal communication skills as well as presenting in front of an audience. Because we spend a lot of time talking about our interests & presenting our thoughts and ideas, Speech also allows me to really get to know my students. In addition, students also get to learn a lot about each other."

Mrs. Krista Hinkley has been an educator for 15 years and has been a part of the RTHS Language Team for 3 years. She currently teaches English 1, English 3, and AP English Language. 

"Growing up, I loved to read and write. I know not everyone will be a nerdy English major like me, but I want to make sure that my students leave class knowing how to advocate for themselves in writing and how to use writing and reading for what they personally love in life."

Mr. Mikel Matthews has been an educator for 17 years and has been a part of the RTHS Language Team for 16 years. He currently teaches English 4, Social Justice Novels, Graphic Novels, Acting 1, and Theatre Arts.

"Seeing young writers and performers improve and gain confidence in their voices is thrilling."

Ms. Allison O'Hern has been an educator for 6 years and a part of the RTHS Language team for 3 years. She currently teaches English 1, English 2, and Creative Writing. 

"I love helping students utilize literature to think critically about our world. It's so exciting to have students see beyond the page into the world they live in. Helping students express their voices and opinions through writing is a privilege I hold dearly. My classroom is a space of creativity and critical thinking where my students continue to impress me with their drive for success!"

Mr. Michael Ruby has been an educator for 2 years and has spent his entire career as a part of RTHS's Language Team. He currently teaches English 1, English 2, and Modern Media.

"I love teaching because it gives me a chance to learn more about the wonderful and determined students of RTHS! By reading students' pieces and encouraging them to find their own literary voices, I feel that I have the opportunity to gain insight on their perspectives, goals, and dreams."

Mrs. Olivia Tasch has been an educator for 9 years and has been a part of the RTHS Language team for 2 years. She currently teaches English 1, English 2, and Honors English 2.

"Once a person learns how to read and write, a door is opened that can never be closed. Learning these skills gives a person the knowledge and independence they need to create a life that they want for themselves, and it is such a gift to be a part of that process."

Mr. Matthew Croisant has been an educator for 15 years, although this is his third year as a classroom teacher and first year as part of the RTHS Language team. He currently teaches Spanish 1 and 2.

"Learning a new language isn't only about connecting with new people and culture; it's also a lens for looking at yourself from a new perspective. I love helping my students learn the language as communication, culture, and system."

Ms. Jasmine Medina is starting her career as a part of RTHS's Language team. She currently teaches Spanish 1, Spanish 3, and Spanish 4. 
"I love teaching about the culture and seeing how students light up when they are able to understand the language. Learning a language is not easy and with continuous practice, students will be impressed with how much they know and are able to communicate. Their engagement and excitement is what motivates me! I also enjoy creating connections with my students and learning more about them."

Mrs. Tracy Neitzel has been an educator for 22 years and has joined the RTHS Language Team this year. She currently teaches ESL 3 and ELL Resource.

"Teaching English language learners is new for me, but I love teaching students who are developing their skills with the English language because I know that learning a language takes practice and hard work--but it is important to learn how to communicate with others!"

Ms. Hillary Veitch has been an educator for 10 years and has been a part of the RTHS Language team for 2 years. She currently teaches ESL 1, ESL 2, and ELL Resource.

"Besides the number of obvious benefits (employability, brain boosts, developing an appreciation for other cultures, etc.), I love teaching world languages because as students challenge themselves to perform new skills in a second language, they make the realization that they actually are learning and utilizing these new skills, which greatly boosts their confidence. When students choose to learn another language, it forces them to get out of their comfort zone, which can be frustrating at first, but also invigorating and rewarding."