English II PAP

Hello, and welcome to my page! I’ve had the pleasure of teaching for over 14 years. With an undergraduate degree in English and Philosophy (I’ve spent plenty of time pondering life's big questions with Shakespeare in hand) and a minor in Art, I’ve always believed in the power of literature, philosophy, and art to make life more meaningful.

I also earned my Master's degree in Comparative Literature, which has allowed me to explore how different cultures tell their stories. It’s a fascinating way to see how themes, characters, and ideas are shared across time and space—though I’ll spare you my dissertation-length musings on it for now!

I’m also a proud member of the Stanford University Hollyhock Fellowship, a program designed to help educators collaborate and enhance their craft. It’s been a rewarding experience that continues to shape how I approach teaching and learning.

When I’m not grading essays or diving into the world of literature, I enjoy spending time with my lovely wife and daughter. Whether we’re exploring new places or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, they are my greatest source of joy.

I’m excited to share my love of literature, philosophy, and art with my students this year, and I’m looking forward to a wonderful year of learning together!

Pre-AP English II is a high school course designed to prepare students for advanced studies in reading, writing, and analysis, laying the foundation for future college-level work. The class focuses on building skills that will help students think critically and communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms.

Key Areas of Focus:

1. Reading and Analyzing Texts:

   • Students will read a variety of texts, including novels, poems, and non-fiction articles. They'll learn to identify important themes and understand how writers use language to express ideas.
   • They’ll practice reading closely to uncover deeper meanings and improve comprehension.

2. Writing and Thinking Critically:

   • Students will improve their writing skills by composing essays that are clear, logical, and well-supported with evidence from the text.
   • They will focus on refining their ideas and expressing them with precision and clarity.

3. Expanding Vocabulary and Language Skills:

   • As they read, students will also expand their vocabulary and practice using more sophisticated language in their writing.
   • They will work on grammar and sentence structure to become better communicators.

4. Research and Presentations:

   • Students will learn how to conduct research, gather information from various sources, and present their findings clearly and effectively.
   • They will also practice citing sources properly to avoid plagiarism.

5. Speaking and Listening:

   • The class includes opportunities for group discussions and presentations, where students will work on speaking clearly and listening to others in a respectful and thoughtful way.

Sample Topics and Projects:

• Character Analysis: Students will study characters in literature and explore how they change throughout a story. They'll write essays analyzing these changes.
• Poetry and Themes: They'll examine different poems and identify the themes and messages the poet is conveying.
• Argumentative Writing: Students will develop persuasive essays on contemporary issues, learning how to support their arguments with facts and evidence.
• Research Projects: Students will choose a topic to research, collect information from various sources, and write a report summarizing their findings.

Pre-AP English II will help your child become a stronger reader, writer, and communicator, preparing them for success in high school and beyond. It’s a great opportunity for them to build the skills necessary for college and future careers.