The English Department makes up one of the 4 core curriculums of the school along with math, science, and social studies. Students take either Communication Skills and English I, English I, or Honors English I in the 9th grade. An English I EOC test is administered at the conclusion of English I. In the 10th grade, students take English II or Honors English II. A 10th Grade Writing Test is administered in March of each school year. Students in the 11th grade can take English III, Honors English III, or Honors English III followed by AP English Language and Composition. The research paper for the Senior Project Presentation is completed in the junior year. In the Senior Year, a student can take English IV, Honors English IV, or Honors English IV followed by AP English Literature and Composition. During Senior English, students prepare a tri-fold and a presentation for judges based on the topic of their junior research paper. Besides these core courses, we offer several electives some of which include Film Studies, Humanities, Journalism and Honors Journalism. The study of English prepares students to reflect on our world and to communicate with the world globally through the enhancement of reading, writing, and auditory/verbal skills.
Becky Thompson, Department Chair
Educational Biography:
UNC-Chapel Hill - B.A. Music/Radio, TV & Motion Pictures
UNC-Charlotte - Post-Baccalaureate Secondary English Education
UNC-Charlotte - M.A. English
Educational Experiences:
NC Certified Writer's Training
National Board of Professional Teaching Standards
School Improvement Team
27 years teaching
Teach Honors English IV, AP English IV, English II, Honors English III, Journalism, Honors Journalism
Yearbook Adviser: 8 years at A. L. Brown - 3 books awarded All-NC Award from the NC Scholastic Media Association; 1 book (2010) awarded All-NC & Tarheel Award from NCSMA
Becky Austin
Educational Biography:
Undergraduate: Hope College-Bachelors of Arts in English; Psychology
Certificates: National Boards Teacher for Young Adolescents in English Language Arts
Educational Experiences:
Teaching: 7 years
Teach: English I, Communication Skills, Honors English I, English II, Honors English IV, English IV
Involved in: Graduation Projects, Cameo (Literary Magazine) Carrousel Queen and Ms. ALB committee
Class Website:
http://rebeccaaustin.wikispaces.com
Jennifer Linn
I am proud to be a teacher and a life-long learner. I am also honored to serve the students of Kannapolis as part of the team that is the A. L. Brown faculty and staff. I believe in leading by example.
Educational Biography:
Bachelor of Arts, 1993 St. Edward's University, Austin, Texas, Summa Cum Laude
Educational Experiences:
The 2012-2013 school year marks my 17th year teaching in the English department at A.L. Brown High. I organize the senior field trip to the Carolina Renaissance Festival, and collaborate with the entire staff to help our seniors successfully complete the Graduation Project.
Additional Information
"I have five lessons to teach. What lessons they learn is entirely up to them." - Nanny McPhee
Brian Ceresa
Educational Biography:
B.S. in English from Central Michigan University
Educaitonal Experiences:
Certified 9-12 English
Head Wrestling Coach
Class Website:
Deanna D'Addezio
Educational Biography:
BA in Economics and English, Rutgers University, New Brunswick NJ
MA in English/teaching English, UNCC Charlotte, NC
Educational Experiences:
NHS advisor
Larry Efird
B.A. English-William Jennings Bryan College, Dayton, Tennessee 1977
M.A. Biblical Studies- Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas 1981
ThM Master of Theology- Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas 1985
Educational Experiences:
Interact Club Advisor
20+ years in education
Cassidy Green
Educational Biography:
Educational Experiences:
Class Websites:
Josh Harris
Educational Biography:
Class Website:
Karen Ponikvar
Educational Biography:
Double Major from Ohio University - Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Science in Education
Educational Experiences:
Certified to teach 6-12 English
Teaching 5 years
Currently teach English I and English II
Beta Club Advisor
Women's Assistant Golf Coach
Becky Shopf
Educational Biography:
Catawba College, BA
Pfeiffer University, MBA
Wingate University, School Administration License
Educaitional Experiences:
Teaching for 18 years
Class Websites:
Click Here
Jennifer Ward
Educational Biography:
Bachelor's of the Arts in English from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2003
Master's of Arts in Teaching (Secondary English Language) from UNC-Charlotte, 2007
National Board Certification in English Language Arts: Adolescence and Young Adulthood, 2009
Teaching Philosophy:
Class Website: Click Here
Jacob Wilkerson
Educational Biography:
BA in English from the University of Florida
Educational Experiences
I have taught at Brown since the Fall of 2007.
I coach the Academic Team.
Class Website: Click Here