Skip To Main Content

English

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Quick Facts

Our Teachers:

  • Are fully credentialed in English and are “Highly Qualified” as per NCLB requirements
  • Most have been teaching for a minimum of five years
  • Several have Master’s Degrees in Education or English
  • Several are graduates of the AVID Institute and Advanced Placement seminars
  • Coach sports, advise the Academic Decathlon team, are club advisors, produce and direct the school plays, teach ELL classes, and much more

Our practices:

  • Alignment with California State University writing curriculum includes the adoption of the CSU Expository Writing course integrated in all grade levels.
  • All teachers are fully trained on, and using, the principles of Common Core in their classrooms.
  • Increased access to AP courses; Advanced Placement English Language and Composition at the junior level and at the senior level.
  • Literature elective for juniors and seniors.
  • Advanced drama for sophomores, juniors and seniors.
  • 94-96% of students pass the California High School Exit exam the first time.
  • A high percentage of students who take AP English tests earn a passing score.
  • California High School Exit Exam intervention and support classes offered.
  • Intensive remedial Reading course offered for incoming freshman.
  • English Language Learner courses offered.

Department Goals:

  • Provide rigorous study at all levels
  • Each level prepares students for next level of study
  • Prepare students for future: college, other secondary education, and career
  • Teach effective verbal and written communication
  • Teach critical thinking skills

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Nicki Arnold

Leave of Absence 2024-2025

Geni Aymeric

Co-Department Chair
CSU Expo Reading/Writing, AP Lang & Comp, ARC Dual Enrollment

Addison Beck

English 1 & 3, Freshman Seminar

Shelbie Carson

English 2 & 3

Darth Clurman

English 1 & 2

Sandra De Lay 

CSU Expo Reading/Writing

Cara Dunham

English II (transition), ELD II (Support) 

Kamryn Gonzalez

AVID Coordinator
Honors English 2, AVID IV

Eric Leach

Honors English 1, AVID 1, Student Advocacy  

Sidney Mitchell

Honors English 1 & 2, Film & Literature  

Angela Murphy

English 2, Beginning & Advanced Drama

David Orton

English 1, English I (transition), ELD I (Support),  ARC Dual Enrollment

Anna Serena

AP English Lit/Comp, Honors English 1

Sydney Smith

English 1& 3

Dave Underwood 

Co-Department Chair 
English 2 & 3, AP Lang & Comp, AP English Lit & Comp