English

Welcome to the English Department!

English

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)
  • Theatre Arts I
  • Theatre Technical
  • Theatre: Design and Production
  • 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!

Deighton

Name 

Meg Deighton 

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

AP Literature 

College(s) 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

Hometown

Detroit, Michigan 

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 17 years, I have taught English 10, 11, 12, SAT Prep, and AP Literature.  Also, I am co-advisor for the class of 2025… I am so excited to be part of the amazing class! 
 
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 a week snorkling in the US Virgin Islands.  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. 



Coming Soon

Name

Malik Asante

Email

@bcps.org

Classes Taught

Coming Soon

College(s) Attended

Coming Soon

Hometown

Coming Soon

Bio: Coming Soon



Beyer

 

Name

Jess Beyer

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

English 12

Creative Writing

Colleges Attended

Emory University (BA, English & Creative Writing)

New York University (MFA, Poetry)

Hometown

Catonsville, MD

I’m Ms. Beyer, back for my third year at WHS. I’m looking forward to helping our seniors prepare for life after high school and helping students grow as writers and creative thinkers. Before coming to WHS, 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, of course, I love traveling, SCUBA diving, and taking walks with my 2-year-old pup, Eleanor. I’ve also traveled to every continent except one (I’m coming for you, Antarctica)!




Name 

Kate Clemmens

Email 

kclemmens@bcps.org

Classes Taught


English 10

AP English Language and Composition 

College(s) Attended

Towson University (BS)
Notre Dame of Maryland University (MAT)

Hometown

Baltimore, MD 

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!



Coming Soon

Name

Monica Creel

Email

@bcps.org

Classes Taught

Coming Soon

College(s) Attended

Coming Soon

Hometown

Coming Soon

Bio: Coming Soon




Dierking

Name

Amanda Dierking

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

Theatre 1 & 2
Technical Theatre
Production and Design

College(s) Attended

Shenandoah University

Hometown

Toms River, NJ

Bio: I am the Performing Arts and Technical Theatre Teacher as well as a Thespian Troupe Director. As an educator, I have 23 years of experience.  During that time, I have directed and produced over a hundred productions. Theatre is a passion of mine, and it is my honor to make our program apart of the fiber of Woodlawn High School. 

In this profession, I have had the privilege to work in the many aspects of producing a theatre production since 2004.  I have developed three theatre programs throughout my career. As a teacher of the performing and technical arts, I am driven to educate my students so that they can understand and experience all the opportunities that this career field has to offer.




Janansky

Name 

Matt Janansky 

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

English 10 (OGE) 

English 11, 12 (Co-Teaching) 

College(s) Attended

The College of New Jersey (B.A.) 

Goucher College (M.A.) 

Hometown

Pine Barrens, New Jersey

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. 



AJones

Name

Abraham Jones, Ed.D.

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

English 12, English 11

College(s) Attended

Morehouse College (B.A.)

University of Delaware (M.A.)

Delaware State University (M.A.)

Wilmington University (Ed.D.)

Hometown

Newark, Delaware

My name is Dr. Jones, and I am in the English Department. I like to travel internationally, and my passion is offering my assistance to make certain people are meeting their personal goals in life.


 

McDaniel

Name

Terea McDaniel

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

English 10 Honors/GT

English 12

College(s) Attended

Morgan State University (BS)
Towson University (MED)

Hometown

Cleveland, OH

Bio: I am Terea McDaniel and I love reading and writing. I first published poetry when I was in 11th grade.  I have been teaching in public and private schools, including Baltimore City and Baltimore County for a total of 16 years.  I have taught 9th-12th grade, Drama, and African Folklore. The year I graduated from Morgan State University the year I began teaching.  I love discussing language and literature with my students.  I also love helping my students prepare for life after high school. I am excited to build new relationships and help all my students achieve optimal success!

I spend my time with my family, writing poetry, wishing I had more time to read another book for leisure, cooking, taking walks, and being a mom to wonderful children.  I would like to explore West Africa, South America, and a few other fun places.  



MullenMitchell

Name 

Dorlisa Mullen-Mitchell 

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

Critical Reading 

English 9 

College(s) Attended

Coppin State University (BS) 

Currently: Towson State University

Hometown

Baltimore, MD 

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 27, 25, 23, and 22. 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.”



Morsberger

 

Name

Kelsey Morsberger

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught/ Position

English 9/9GT

English 12H

College(s) Attended

Towson University (BS & MS)

Hometown

Catonsville, MD

Bio: My name is Ms. Morsberger and I am in the English Department. I have been teaching with BCPS for 8 years. I love Harry Potter, The Office, and spending time in the Adirondacks and Ocean City with my family. I have a cat named Albus who loves to play with hair ties and sleep in the sun all day. I am so excited to be a part of the Woodlawn community!



Neverdon

Name 

Sharon Neverdon 

Email 

[email protected] 

Classes Taught

English 9
Avid 10 Honors

College(s) Attended

Grand Canyon University  (BS, MA)

Hometown

Queens, New York 

Bio: My name is Mrs. Neverdon and I am in the English Department. I have enjoyed educating students in a few disciplines in Baltimore City and in Baltimore County. 

I enjoy the theater, ballet, football, and basketball. Riding my bike near the water is my favorite past time.  

Coming soon on Social Media: Prolific Young Writers! (PYW!) 



OLeary

Name 

Michael R. O’Leary 

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

English 11 and Honors 

College(s) Attended

Towson University (BS) 

Loyola University  (MS) 

Hometown

Frederick, MD 

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. 



Ottomano

Name 

Joe Ottomano 

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

English 11 

Sat Prep: Disciplinary Literacy 

College(s) Attended

McDaniel College (BA) 

Towson University (MS)

Hometown

Manchester, MD 

Bio: My name is Mr. Ottomano and I work in the English department at Woodlawn High School where I’ve been teaching since 2012. During that time, I’ve taught across the grade levels. My hobbies include reading, writing, and playing the occasional video or tabletop game. I like to be active outside doing things such as hiking and camping, but also enjoy staying in and analyzing the plot, themes, symbols, and characters of my favorite TV shows and movies. 

 

Rhodes

Name

Crystal Rhodes

Email

[email protected]

Classes Taught

English 10
SAT Prep

College(s) Attended

Loyola University (M.Ed)
Morgan State University (BS)

Hometown

Baltimore, MD

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.



Coming Soon

Name

Kai Shipman

Email

@bcps.org

Classes Taught

Coming Soon

College(s) Attended

Coming Soon

Hometown

Coming Soon

Bio: Coming Soon




Wilson

Name 

Donna Wilson

Email 

[email protected]  

Classes Taught

Special Educator, English

College(s) Attended

Bowie State University, BS

Walden University MS

Walden University EdD (ABD) Education Leadership (currently)

Hometown

Baltimore, MD

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)