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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

English 1, Dual Enrollment, Student Advocacy

Geni Aymeric

Co-Department Chair
Creative Writing, AP Lang & Comp, ARC Dual Enrollment, Academic Decathlon

LP Befay

English 1 & 3

Addison Beck

English 3, Dual Enrollment, Student Advocacy

Shelbie Carson

English 3, Honors English 2, Creative Writing

Cara Dunham

ELD I & II, ELD I & II (Support), ELD III, Dual Enrollment 

Aubrey Hess

English I & II

Eric Leach

Honors English 1, AVID 3

David Orton

Honors English 2, ELD 4

Anna Serena

AP English Lit/Comp, Honors English 1, Film & Literature, CSU Exp. Reading/Writing

Andrew Schley

English 1 & 2

Sydney Smith

Study Skills, English 1 & 2

Dave Underwood 

Co-Department Chair 
AP Lang & Comp, CSU Exp. Reading/Writing

Joel Whited

English I & 2