Turning Pages, Shaping Voices: Ms. Manning

What subject do you teach?

I teach English, and the courses that I am currently teaching are ninth-grade Freshman Composition and 11th-grade AP American Places and Perspectives.  

Why did you choose to teach it?

As far as why I chose these specific classes, I appreciate the energy of freshmen—well, most of the time—and I enjoy helping them develop as writers. My AP English class allows me to teach something I am passionate about: American literature.

 Why did you choose to teach at Stuyvesant?

Because of its rich history and focus on academic rigor.

 Why do you like (or not like) to teach here?

The academic expectations are high, and Stuyvesant students are driven to succeed, which I appreciate. It allows for academic rigor, which energizes and engages me. What I don’t always love is the resulting competition among students. The environment can be very intense. However, the freedom that I have as a teacher is everything. I am encouraged to teach challenging literature, and I am allowed to introduce new texts into the English department’s book rotation. This does not happen at all schools. It is also wonderful to engage with students who are genuinely invested, students who will gleefully geek out with me on a text like Moby-Dick.

Can you tell us a little more about your younger years? Where did you grow up?

I grew up on Long Island and spent my entire childhood in a little beach town named Bayville. The town is a tiny peninsula that juts out into the Long Island Sound, so I spent a lot of time at the beach and on boats. I had a fairly outdoorsy childhood—swimming, camping, hiking, stuff like that—despite having grown up in the suburbs.

 What did you love to do as a child?

I was hooked on reading at an early age. I was crazy about the classics like Little Women, The Secret Garden, Little House on the Prairie, but I also loved the more contemporary authors like Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary. I was also crazy about amusement parks. I was a real daredevil, truly fearless; the bigger the rollercoaster, the better. I also spent a good deal of time happily watching VHS tapes of The Goonies and E.T. on repeat.  

Did you always want to be a teacher? If not, what did you want to be beforehand?

I started off college as a journalism major; I had hazy visions of my future self as a reporter. That barely lasted through freshman year. My attention shifted to history before settling on English. The influence of some amazing college English professors eventually drew me into teaching. I wanted to do what they did.

If you could teach any other subject besides English, what would it be and why?

History. I am a hardcore documentary nerd, and I tend to reach for non-fiction when I am not prepping for my classes.

Fun Questions!

What is your favorite book of all time?

Moby-Dick, hands down. I also love Wuthering Heights.

Do you have any book recommendations?

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, Ocean Vuong. It left me in a puddle of tears, which is a testament to how much I loved it.

What is your favorite hobby?

Digging for vinyl (records), specifically 1960s soul and jazz.

Any favorite music artists?

The Cure, Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, all the 1960s girl groups. Too many to list. Music has been important to me since my teenage years. I am a music nerd.

Are you a night owl or an early bird?

Early bird. The early bird gets the rare soul 7” [record].