Welcome to the English Department!
Department Chair: Meg Deighton ([email protected])
Graduation Requirements
- English 9
- English 10
- English 11
- English 12
Classes Offered
- English 9, honors, and GT
- English 10, honors and GT
- English 11, honors
- English 12, honors
- AP Language (11th grade)
- AP Literature (12th grade)
- Creative Writing
- SAT Prep: Disciplinary Literacy
Message From the Department
Hi Woodlawn Guardians and Scholars! We are so excited to return to the classroom for the 2023-2024 school year. Please check out our bios below: we have such an amazing English Department, filled with dedicated and diverse teachers. It is extraordinary how many of us support our scholars outside the classroom. Check out all our clubs and organizations and do not hesitate to reach out to us to join!
Meet our Department Members Below!
Ms. Meg Deighton - English Department Chair
mdeighton@bcps.org
College Attended: Kalamazoo College - Bachelors: English, Psychology, Nova Southeastern - M.A. in Teaching and Learning: Curriculum Instruction, Notre Dame - M.A. in Leadership in Teaching: Cultural Proficiency Leadership
Bio: I am lucky enough to be the WHS English Department Chair. I started teaching at WHS in 2006 and have fallen in love with the community, students, and staff at Woodlawn. Over the past 19 years, I have taught English 10, 11, 12, SAT Prep, and AP Literature. .When I am not binging a favorite TV show or reading (or re-reading!) a novel, you can find me cooking new, exciting recipes I have found or doing some home-improvement project. I love watching sports (especially going to games) and am extremely competitive. I love traveling and recently spent time this summer visiting Iceland with my parents. I also took up swimming this summer. I lived in England for a year for my undergraduate and it ignited a desire to visit as many places as possible and learn about all different cultures. My favorite times are spent with my family, including my parents, 2 older brothers and my sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and so many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Mr. Asante - English Teacher
masante@bcps.org
Ms. Jessica Beyer - English Teacher
jbeyer@bcps.org
College Attended: Emory University (BA, English & Creative Writing) & New York University (MFA, Poetry)
Bio: I've been a proud member of the WHS English Department since 2020. As an English 12 and Creative Writing teacher, I love helping our Warriors grow as writers, unlock their creativity, and prepare for life after high school. Before joining the WHS team, I worked in higher education and digital product development. I’m additionally a published writer and have had poetry and essays featured in literary journals, anthologies, and The Baltimore Sun. Aside from reading and writing (obviously), I love traveling, SCUBA diving, and hiking with my family. I’ve traveled to every continent except one—I’m coming for you, Antarctica!
Ms. Kate Clemmens - English Teacher
kclemmens@bcps.org
College Attended: Towson University (BS) & Notre Dame of Maryland University (MAT)
Bio: Hello, scholars! My name is Ms. Clemmens and I cannot wait to meet you. If you are joining my English 10 or AP class, you can count on reading and analyzing a wide variety of engaging texts and having meaningful conversations about our world. Together, in room 307, we will further our status as informed and empathetic citizens. I started teaching at Woodlawn High School in 2017 after falling in love with the students and community as a student teacher the year before. I love our community and am deeply invested in the success of my students. When I’m not teaching, you’ll likely find me at a concert or hiking the trails near Loch Raven Reservoir with my family. After a hike, I love to curl up in my hammock with a good book. Though if I had to choose a reading spot, I would always pick the beach!
Mr. Matt Janansky - English Teacher
mjanansky@bcps.org
College Attended: The College of New Jersey (B.A.) & Goucher College (M.A.)
Bio: My name is Mr. Janansky, and I am in the (English/SPED Department). In my free time, I enjoy reading and listening to/making music . I’ve been learning the ins and outs of production and using the computer as an instrument for about 10 years
Dr. Denise Madden - English Teacher
dmadden@bcps.org
College Attended: Villa Julie (AA), CCBC (AA), Stevenson (BS), Liberty University (MS & EdD)
Bio: Greetings! I am a dedicated educator with 26 years of experience spanning elementary (21 years), middle (3 years), and high school (2 years) education. I hold degrees from Villa Julie College (AA), CCBC (AA), Stevenson University (BS), and Liberty University (MS & EdD). As a published author of two books and a lifelong learner, I am passionate about fostering a welcoming, inclusive classroom environment where every student feels seen and supported. I believe in building strong academic relationships with my students, which helps to reduce unwanted behaviors and create a space where learning thrives. My core belief is that all students can learn—it’s our responsibility as educators to uncover the method that works best for each individual. I bring this philosophy into every classroom I enter. Outside of education, I’m proud to be a parent to three children and a grandparent to one wonderful grandchild.
Mr. Anthony Miller - English Teacher
amiller20@bcps.org
College Attended: Hunter College (BS)
Bio: From Baltimore, MD. \I started at WHS in 2025 and have been teaching for 4 years with Baltimore County. A few things about me - love to travel, eat good food, and watch crime / history documentaries in my spare time.
Ms. Dorlisa Mullen-Mitchell - English Teacher
dmullenmitchell@bcps.org
College Attended: Coppin State University (BS) & Towson University
Bio: My name is Ms. Mullen-Mitchell, and I work in the English Department at Woodlawn High School. I feel like I am returning home because WHS is where I began my career substitute teaching. Before WHS, I taught just about every subject and middle school grade level as a Paraeducator; and was a Cheer Coach, a Mentor and Co-founder of a powerful female network (GEMS) at my former school. Interesting Facts: When I am not teaching, I enjoy exercising, shopping, and reading. Honestly, I have not been an active reader because I have been binging on Hallmark movies. I am a mother of four young adults: ages 31, 29, 27, and 26. Although I am currently enrolled in Towson State University finishing my Masters in Teaching, I consider myself a life learner where my motto is “Walk in Excellence or Not at All.”
Ms. Sharon Neverdon - English Teacher
sneverdon@bcps.org
College Attended: Grand Canyon University (BS, MA)
Bio: My name is Mrs. Neverdon, and I am proud to be a part of the English Department. I hold a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University and have had the pleasure of teaching various subjects in both Baltimore City and Baltimore County. My teaching philosophy centers on "achieving your ancestors' wildest dreams," guiding students to realize their full potential. Outside the classroom, I have a passion for theater and ballet, and I'm a big fan of football and basketball. My favorite way to relax is by riding my bike along the waterfront
Mr. Michael R. O'Leary - English Teacher
moleary@bcps.org
College Attended: Towson University (BS) & Loyola University (MS)
Bio: I’m Mr. Michael O’Leary and I have been teaching for over 12 years in the English Department here. I’m originally from Frederick, MD and graduated Frederick High in 2002. In my time at Woodlawn, I’ve worked across content with many teachers to not only build singular student success, but also to expand and evolve my own pedagogy across my classes. I’ve worked extensively with one of the oldest, student created and led clubs in Woodlawn’s Real Authentic Poetry team, which created school- wide events and involvement such as rap battles, poetry showcases, slam poetry competitions, and black history celebrations. I’ve coached seven chess teams with all placing in the top 20 of county wide players. I continue my work by incorporating growth mindset neuroscience, applying restorative justice practices into academic discipline/ self-discipline, and bridging literacy skills through the digital age in order to construct viable paths to student achievement now and in the future. I’m a person of adventure and am always ready for a hike up a mountain or a trek into an abandoned haunted house. I’m a lover of history, politics, philosophy, the unknown, and all things literacy. I can jump on a retro game system as easily I can master the “sticks in COD”, but I enjoy games that offer a novel experience with friends the most. Keeping my mind and body strong is my highest priority with an unofficial life goal being to visit all 50 states by the tricentennial
Ms. Crystal Rhodes - English Teacher
crhodes3@bcps.org
College Attended: Loyola University (M.Ed) & Morgan State University (BS)
Bio: Teaching is my happy place! I truly believe I was born to teach! I've been teaching since 2008 and I'm not stopping until I no longer love it! I am a proud product of Baltimore City Public Schools and overjoyed to teach at Woodlawn High School! I love connecting with children of all ages, especially teenagers and I find joy in helping young people grow, both academically and socially
Kai Shipman - English Teacher
nshipman@bcps.org
Mr. Adam Wilner - English Teacher
awilner2@bcps.org
College Attended: The University of Pennsylvania & The Colorado College (BA) Capella University (MS)
Bio: I started teaching in 1996 and have been serving Baltimore County since 2013. I have been a proud member of the Woodlawn community since 2024!
I am also proud of my success as a student athlete. I graduated Cum Laude, played football and lacrosse in college, and coached both sports for many years. I was a 2-time recipient of the National Football Foundation Student-Athlete-Leader Award and believe extracurricular activities are crucial for a student's development. However, athletics have taken a back seat as my main hobby and passion (outside of education) is fly fishing.
During my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, comedy, music, BBQ, Paddling and fishing. On the weekends, you'll usually find me on the Gunpowder River chasing wild trout.
Mrs. Donna Wilson - English Teacher
dwilson21@bcps.org
College Attended: Bowie State University (BS), Walden University (MS), Walden University EdD (ABD) Education Leadership (currently)
Bio: My name is Mrs. Donna R. Wilson, and I am in the special education department. I started my career in higher education 15 years ago, teaching across disciplines and later working in a retention capacity. I enjoy relaxing with my family, reading (lots of books), writing, painting, crocheting, playing my violin, and creating and preparing new recipes. I love being of service in the community and giving in areas where there is a need.
SPARC Teacher: (See SPARC Page)