Sigmund Boloz Poetry

About Me

I was born in Melton Mawbray, England and raised in Newington, Connecticut. I spent 30 years working and living within the Navajo Nation. I write poetry and have produced 13 books of poetry and published over 400 pieces and articles in over 80 different journals and books. My newest book of poems for teachers is titled Who Speaks for the Children?

As I worked on my masters' degree in education and on my principal and reading endorsements during many summers spent on campus, my wife and I often spoke of how much we loved Flagstaff and the university life. I began teaching here in 2002 after I retired from 30 years of public school teaching and learning. I primarily teach the Literacy Block: ECI 308: Teacher Aide Practicum: ECI 309: Integrated Literacy I; and ECI 310: Integrated Literacy II.. These three classes together provide undergraduate elementary education majors within the College of Education with the foundation for teaching reading and writing to children.

I belong to the International Reading Association; the National Council of Teacher of English; and the National Association of Elementary School Principals. I was principal of Ganado Primary School from 1980 to 2002. During that time, Ganado Primary School received national recognition as a National Lead School (NCTE), as a National Exemplary Reading Program (IRA), National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence (U.S. DOE), and as the National Exemplary Program in Indian Education (Native American Scholarship Fund, Inc.). In 1983, 1995 and 2002, Ganado Primary School was named an A+ School and in 1995 the Number One School in Arizona. The school received international recognition when it was featured as the cover story in the October 1997 issue of Teaching K-8 magazine. I was named the National Distinguished Principal from Arizona (1996).

I am particularly interested in understanding effective instruction of reading and writing at the school-wide level.