Inside the Classroom: Q&A with Ms. Niland on teaching and school life

By Madilyn B.

Airport High School students are getting a fresh opportunity to explore their voices this year, thanks to Ms. Niland, who has added the creative writing class to her teaching schedule. Known for her dedication to helping students strengthen both their analytical and expressive skills, Ms. Niland is excited to expand offerings that encourage creativity.

In addition to creative writing, she continues to challenge students in AP Seminar, a course that emphasizes research, collaboration, and critical thinking, as well as English 4.

Ms. Niland shared that the creative writing course will give students a space to experiment with storytelling, poetry, and personal expression. The class aims to nurture not only writing skills but also confidence and imagination, offering students an outlet beyond traditional assignments.

Her AP Seminar and English 4 students note her commitment to pushing them academically while also encouraging individuality. By balancing critical analysis with creative exploration, Ms. Niland is shaping well-rounded student writers who can succeed in multiple dimensions of communication.

Q: Is the new Creative Writing class complicated? What kind of work is taking place?

Ms. Niland: Creative Writing is whatever you want it to be! We have a lot of freedom in that class—it’s all about finding a style that works for you and makes you feel confident in your writing. We explore lots of different topics and genres to give everyone a chance to see what’s out there, and then we try our hand at writing those things on our own. You get out of it what you put into it—if you try, you’ll have a fun time!

Q: What helps keep students entertained?

Ms. Niland: We do a lot of hands-on activities, like cutting and pasting assignments, writing in notebooks, and working with other students. Students also have the chance to write about things that interest them, so giving them that power over their writing is a great way to keep them engaged.

Q: What subject is easier to teach, or what do the students prefer?

Ms. Niland: I think the traditional English classes might be easier to teach only because we have clear blueprints and standards we need to hit, so we plan our lessons and tests around those. With Creative Writing, it is all about being unique and having fun with it, so it can be hard to grade what is “good” vs. “bad.” But I love the freedom that Creative Writing offers—some students thrive in those experimental environments, and it’s cool to see them shine.

Q: Why did you choose to take on the Creative Writing course?

Ms. Niland: I’ve had some experience with Creative Writing in the past, both academically and personally, so I was really excited to bring that to Airport. Some students say they aren’t good at English, but I’m a firm believer that you just haven’t found the best type of writing for you! Creative Writing can be that chance for so many students.

Q: How do you feel about Airport?

Ms. Niland: Airport is a great school with a lot of energy. We are always looking for ways to get better, and our student body is so diverse in its skills and backgrounds, which makes our school so special! I love how everyone brings something different to make us unique.

Q: How do you want to improve English lessons and classes?

Ms. Niland: I’d love to incorporate more contemporary texts into the classroom. I love finding ways to bring the “real world” into our classes, but that can be hard sometimes based on the standards set for us. When we can find modern books, it helps keep the students engaged and shows them that English is alive and well!

Q: How do you promote inclusion and diversity in the classroom?

Ms. Niland: I value everyone’s opinions and backgrounds in our class—we accept everyone and make space so that everyone feels welcome. In fact, students are encouraged to pull from their personal experiences to make their writing stronger.

Q: How would you describe your teaching style?

Ms. Niland: I am a very energetic, hands-on teacher. I love reading, and I want my students to be just as excited as I am! I like to give attention to everyone, so I’m usually walking around and checking in with students as they work.

Q: Why do you think Creative Writing is important for students in today’s world?

Ms. Niland: Writing is everywhere—even when we think we don’t need English skills, we do. English can sometimes feel boring because of the old texts we read, and students can get bogged down by those heavy classics. But with Creative Writing, there’s power in choice and the freedom to write wherever the pen takes you. Students who might not feel confident in writing have a safe place to try new things and see what works without the pressure of passing an EOC or acing a test.

Q: How do you help students overcome writer’s block or creative challenges?

Ms. Niland: I challenge my students to think outside the box, but I never leave them stranded. I usually give prompts that are open to interpretation, or if a student gets stuck, I help brainstorm ideas with them or ask questions to get them thinking.

Q: What genres and forms of Creative Writing does the class cover?

Ms. Niland: We cover a lot! In fact, we have a whole unit dedicated to exploring different genres. We cover both fiction and nonfiction.

Q: How do you help students learn about the professional world of writing?

Ms. Niland: Writing is in everything we do. It’s the email you send to a teacher, the resume you make for a job, the card you write for your mother’s birthday, or even the Instagram caption you’re about to post. In class, we write creative pieces and also work on the publishing side of the industry. Our class is in charge of The Talon, which is a literary magazine we’re bringing back! We’re excited to publish works from Airport’s students, both inside and outside of Creative Writing. This gives students the chance to share their hard work and learn about the effort it takes to publish.

Q: What skills should a Creative Writer have?

Ms. Niland: Creative Writing students should be hard workers who won’t stop when they get stuck. They should be willing to try new things; when one idea doesn’t work, they should pivot and try something else. Most importantly, Creative Writing students should simply be willing to write. We all have to start somewhere, and your writing journey always begins with putting pen to paper.

Q: How do you ensure your students’ writing remains original and avoids clichés?

Ms. Niland: Our assignments are fun, so students are usually excited to do them on their own. We also encourage mistakes—that’s how we grow. I think this makes it easier for students to give it a shot and create something original.

Q: What role does collaboration play? Is partnering students easier?

Ms. Niland: I love giving students the chance to work together when it goes well. If students can prove to me that they can work with a friend, I have no problem with it—I actually prefer it because I think working together gives you twice as many ideas you might not have had otherwise! But I also think working alone can be important, too. It really depends on the assignment and the vibe of the class.

Through this interview, Ms. Niland highlights just how powerful Creative Writing can be for students. By giving them freedom, choice, and hands-on opportunities, she creates a classroom where every student can find their voice. Whether it’s through publishing in The Talon, exploring new genres, or simply building confidence, her teaching shows that Creative Writing is more than just an elective—it’s a skill set for life.