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

English 1 & 2, Student Advocacy

Geni Aymeric

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

Robyn Barbour

English 2 & 3

Shelbie Carson

English 2, Honors English 2

Sandra De Lay 

CSU Expo Reading/Writing, ARC Dual Enrollment

Cara Dunham

English II (transition), ELD II (Support) 

Kamryn Gonzalez

AVID Coordinator
Honors English 2, AVID III & IV

Eric Leach

English 1, Honors English 1, Student Advocacy  

Sidney Mitchell

Honors English 2, Film & Literature  

Angela Murphy

English 2, Beginning & Advanced Drama

Anna Serena

AP English Lit/Comp, Honors English 1

Sydney Smith

English 3, Freshman Seminar

Dave Underwood 

Co-Department Chair 
English 1 & 3, AP Lang & Comp, AP English Lit & Comp

Erin Wright

English 1, Yearbook