PHS teacher makes mark as prolific author

Ethel Wood’s latest work is "Introduction to Sociology."

By: Carly Rothman
   Last month marked the release of "Introduction to Sociology," a new textbook co-written by Princeton High School faculty member Ethel Wood, with Judith Lloyd Yero of Mindsight Educational Services in Montana.
   "Introduction to Sociology," Ms. Wood’s seventh publication, is designed for use in a high school-level course. Ms. Wood’s previous publications include one textbook, "American Government," and a teacher’s guide to teaching Advanced Placement comparative government and politics, published by the College Board.
   Ms. Wood also edited two historical readers, compilations of historical documents, titled "The Immigrants" and "The Presidency." Ms. Wood is currently at work on the fourth edition of her AP government and politics preparatory book, "Multiple Choice Questions in Preparation for the AP United States Government and Politics Examination" and the corresponding teacher’s manual.
   "I like writing, it’s something that is fulfilling to me," she says, noting that she does most of her writing over the summer. "It allows me to extend my influence beyond the classroom."
   Ms. Wood, who holds a bachelor’s degree in government and social studies and a master’s degree in sociology, has taught at Princeton High School since 1984. She has taught all of the history and social studies courses offered at PHS, including AP comparative government and politics, AP United States history, AP European history and world history.
   Although she keeps copies of her own texts in the classroom, she says, "I generally don’t use them except as supplementary materials. (My students) hear enough from me in class."
   Ms. Wood extends her influence not only beyond the classroom but beyond her writing as well. Since 1991, she has been a reader for the AP government and politics examinations. She is also interested in the use of technology in the classroom, and is currently obtaining her certification in Integration of Educational Technology. She remarks that although the current level of technology at PHS does not allow her to apply much of what she is learning, "Hopefully with the new school coming along, I’ll be able to use (technology) more. I’m looking forward to this."
   She also noted that the quality of her work is enriched by its diversity.
   "The teaching that I do makes (my writing) better, and it goes the other way. (My writing) lends a depth of scholarship to my teaching, and it allows my students some input into my work outside the classroom."