Training and Experience:
There are 19 teachers in the English Department, representing a rich
variety of veteran and new teachers. Eight of the teachers have been teaching
English for more than 20 years. Eighty percent of the teachers hold a master's
degree or other advanced degree. Two department members hold a doctorate.
The teachers have come to Community High School from large state universities,
private universities, and small liberal arts colleges. The training represents
a variety of thought that remains consistent with the school recognition
of the value of diversity.
Professional Commitment:
The members of the English Department are very active in professional
organizations. Most of the teachers are members of the National Council
of Teachers of English (NCTE). Approximately half of the staff belongs
to the Illinois Association of Teachers of English (IATE). One teacher
is a member of the Illinois Reading Council.
Several English teachers have been program participants at professional
conferences. English teachers have presented sessions or workshops at the
following conferences: National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Annual
Convention, NCTE Spring Conference, NCTE Regional Conference, Conference
on College Composition and Communication, International Communications
Association Conference, Conference on English Leadership, and the Statewide
Chapter 1 Conference. In addition, English teachers from Community High
School have been presenters at school and county institute days, including
the following: St. Clair County, Argo High School, Champaign Public Schools,
Mundelein High School, Chicago Public Schools, and Community High School
District 99 (Downers Grove).
English teachers from Community High School have published their work
in professional journals. In many instances, the publications describe
exemplary instructional practices that the teachers use at the high school.
Several examples are attached to this document. Among the many publications
have been articles that appeared in the following journals: English Journal,
Research in the Teaching of English, Illinois English Bulletin, Arizona
English Bulletin, Notes Plus, and Computers and Composition.
The English teachers at Community High School have worked in professional
partnerships with local colleges and universities to serve as mentors for
teacher trainees during their student teaching or pre-clinical teaching
experience. The English Department has hosted student teachers from Northern
Illinois University, Benedictine University, North Central College, Elmhurst
College, and Wheaton College.
Involvement:
English teachers at Community High School are involved in many ways
in the co-curricular and extra-curricular aspects of student life. As one
would expect, English teachers serve as the advisors for school newspaper,
the yearbook, and the literary magazine. Over the last ten years, several
members of the Department have served as the literary magazine advisor
or as the Forensics Team coach. English teachers serve as directors for
the school plays and musicals. English teachers also coach sports, including
varsity baseball, varsity golf, and track. In the past, some of our current
staff members have coached soccer, basketball, and tennis. If a student
or parent cannot find an English teacher in a classroom after school, he
or she is likely to be available on an athletic field, on the stage, or
in a publications area.
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