Welcome to the English Department!

Department Chair: Meg Deighton (mdeighton@bcps.org)
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
Message From the Department
Hi
Woodlawn Guardians and Scholars! We are
so excited to embark on this uncharted territory together, the 2020-2021 school
year is going to be something we all remember.
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!

|
Name
|
Meg Deighton
|
Email
|
mdeighton@bcps.org
|
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: My name is
Meg Deighton and I am the Department I started teaching at WHS in 2006
and have fallen in love with the community, students, and staff at
Woodlawn. Over the past 15 years, I have taught English 10, 11, 12, SAT
Prep, and AP Literature. I am also the department chair for English. Also,
I am co-advisor for the SENIOR CLASS… I am so excited to be part of the
amazing graduating class of 2021!
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 travelling, but find I haven’t done much
lately due to working two jobs and finishing my masters degree.
I hope to start visiting more places soon. 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.
|

|
Name
|
Jessica Beyer
|
Email
|
jbeyer@bcps.org
|
Classes Taught
|
English
11
English 12
|
College(s) Attended
|
Emory University (BA
in English and Creative Writing)
New
York University (MFA in Creative Writing-Poetry)
|
Hometown
|
Catonsville, MD
|
Bio: I'm Ms. Beyer,
and I’m excited to join the WHS team for the first time this year as a member
of the English Department. As a graduate of Catonsville High School, I am
returning home to BCPS after teaching in higher education and working in
educational product development.
I love to read
and write and am a published poet. I’m obsessed with traveling and wish I
could do more of it! It’s taken me to some amazing places, including the
Galàpagos Islands, New Zealand, Thailand, Morocco, and Nicaragua. I even lived
in Paris for six months in college. I also love to spend time outside doing
everything from hiking to scuba diving to reading on park benches.
|

|
Name
|
Matt Janansky
|
Email
|
mjanansky@bcps.org
|
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). This is
my second year at WHS.
In
my free time, I enjoy reading and listening to/making music
(hobbies that I can fortunately continue at home during COVID-19).
I’ve been learning the ins and outs of production and using the computer as
an instrument for about 10 years.
|

|
Name
|
Abraham
Jones, Ed.D.
|
Email
|
ajones38@bcps.org
|
Classes
Taught
|
English
12
|
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 am a new teacher at
WHS.
I
like to travel internationally, and my passion is offering my assistance to
make certain people are meeting their personal goals in life.
|

|
Name
|
Tiffany Martin
|
Email
|
tmartin12@bcps.org
|
Classes Taught
|
English 10
|
College(s) Attended
|
State University New York at
Plattsburgh College (BA/MST)
|
Hometown
|
Bronx, NY
|
Bio: My name
is Ms. Martin and I am in the English department. This
will be my first year at WHS, but I have taught outside of Baltimore in NYC
in the past.
I
enjoy knitting, crocheting, watching films and reading (on a
Toni Morrison journey).
I
love traveling. I went on a mini-European adventure the summer
before COVID-19 and had so many plans to see other places,
but unfortunately that came to a stop. But I have
faith that I will be able to travel safely again.
|

|
Name
|
Terea McDaniel
|
Email
|
tmcdaniel@bcps.org
|
Classes Taught
|
English 12
|
College(s) Attended
|
Morgan State
University 1 (BS)
Towson University 2
(MS)
|
Hometown
|
Manchester, MD
|
Bio: Greetings!
I am Mrs. McDaniel and I teach 12th grade English. I have been teaching for 10
years in the public-school setting. This is my third year at Woodlawn.
I
enjoy cooking, gardening, writing, and
creating. Also, I found out just how much I love traveling a
few years ago when my plane flew over Egypt. I love teaching and
helping students become successful in the workforce and higher
learning.
|

|
Name
|
Dorlisa Mullen-Mitchell
|
Email
|
dmullenmitchell@bcps.org
|
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. This is my first
year teaching at WHS; however, 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 26, 24, 22, and 21. 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.”
|

|
Name
|
Sharon Neverdon
|
Email
|
Sneverdon@bcps.org
|
Classes Taught
|
English 9
|
College(s) Attended
|
Grand
Canyon University (BS)
Liberty University (Masters Program)
|
Hometown
|
Queens, New York
|
Bio: My name
is Mrs. Neverdon This is my first year at Woodlawn High
School (WHS) 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!)
|

|
Name
|
Shannon
O’Brocki-Kreft
|
Email
|
sobrocki2@bcps.org
|
Classes
Taught
|
English
10
Avid 12
|
College(s)
Attended
|
Towson
University ‘14 (BS)
Towson
University Dec. 20’ (MS)
|
Hometown
|
Ferndale,
Maryland
|
Bio: I started teaching at Woodlawn in the fall of 2014, so I
am going into my 7th year of teaching. I am AVID Certified, the National
Honor Society Advisor, Assistant Girls’ Varsity Soccer Coach, and AP
Coordinator at Woodlawn.
In
my spare time I like to hang out with my pets, Benjen (a black cat), and
Piccolo (a Parson’s Russel Terrier- we think) watching Netflix or playing
Animal Crossing New Horizons. If my family would let me I would adopt so many
animals people would think we had a zoo (I used to have a hedgehog)! Lately,
my time has been filled with working on various home projects with the help
of my mom and my husband (We’ll celebrate 9 years together and 1 year of
marriage the end of September).
|

|
Name
|
Michael R. O’Leary
|
Email
|
moleary@bcps.org
|
Classes Taught
|
Grades 9, 10,
and 11
Creative
Writing
Morning Announcements
Broadcast
|
College(s) Attended
|
Towson University (BS)
Loyola University (MS)
|
Hometown
|
Frederick, MD
|
Bio: I’m Mr. Michael O’Leary and this is my 12th year at
Woodlawn High School teaching in the English Department. 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.
|

|
Name
|
Joe Ottomano
|
Email
|
jottomano@bcps.org
|
Classes Taught
|
English
11
Sat Prep:
Disciplinary Literacy
|
College(s) Attended
|
McDaniel
College (BA)
Towson University
|
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.
|

|
Name
|
Davon Rice
|
Email
|
drice@bcps.org
|
Classes Taught
|
English
9(Standard)
English
9(GT)
|
College(s) Attended
|
Morgan State
University (BA English – Creative Writing)
Morgan State
University (Master of Arts in Teaching)
Currently: Morgan State University
(EdD – Urban Educational Leadership)
|
Hometown
|
Baltimore, Maryland
|
Bio: My name is Mr. Rice, and I am in
the English department. This will be my second year teaching
at Woodlawn. I am a proud Woodlawn Alumni and it really has done my
heart good teaching at the high school I graduated from. I
also run the Drama Club and the 100-Strong Male/Female Role Model
club as well.
I love to
shop, eat and travel. COVID-19 has certainly put a stop to that and I
have not traveled anywhere since March of this year. I love to cook,
sing, laugh and inspire others. One fun fact about me is that I am a
professional gospel recording artist. Another is, I am one of twelve
children. My mom and dad have been married for over 35 years and
counting which is so amazing to me! I am currently pursuing my
doctorate in Educational Leadership at Morgan State University. So, I
will be in school taking classes virtually while teaching virtually. This
should be very interesting! Students, parents and staff are welcome
to follow me on Instagram @mrricescholars.
|

|
Name
|
Shae Savoy
|
Email
|
ssavoy@bcps.org
|
Classes Taught
|
GT and Honors
English 10
Creative
Writing
|
College(s) Attended
|
The Evergreen
State College (Bachelor of Arts)
Goddard
College (Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing)
The Evergreen State College
(Master of Arts in Teaching)
|
Hometown
|
Seattle, WA
|
Bio: Hello Poets, Scholars, Writers, and Philosophers! Ms.
Savoy here. Your schedule calls my class English class, but
in reality you have entered the TOOLS OF POWER class.
Your brain is about to experience a revolution.
This is my 4th year at Woodlawn
High School and I moved to Baltimore from Seattle, Washington. For
the past two years I have taught in the Early College Program, but before
that I also taught English 10, English 11, and SAT Prep.
I serve as the advisor to the
Publication Club, which produces the WHS student magazine, The
Wakanda Warrior. Contact me to get involved if you want to be part of
putting together Woodlawn's student voice in print!
I am a
published poet and writer, an herbalist, and I have a magical cat named
Romeo (who wears a bow tie, if you need evidence to support my
claim). I eat books for breakfast.
|

|
Name
|
Alexis Skinner
|
Email
|
askinner@bcps.org
|
Classes Taught
|
English 9
|
College(s) Attended
|
Temple University
(BA) - Theatre & Psychology
Goldsmiths, University of
London (MA) - Arts Administration & Cultural Policy
|
Hometown
|
Baltimore, Maryland
|
Bio: My name
is Ms. Skinner and I am in the English department. This
is my first year at Woodlawn High School, but I have been teaching in Higher
Education since 2007
I
have lived outside of the United States and I love theatre, art, and all kinds
of music. Currently, I am wrapping up my PhD in Theatre History at
Louisiana State University and working on my dissertation.
|

|
Name
|
Denise Weeks |
Email
|
dweeks@bcps.org
|
Classes Taught
|
Theatre Arts I
Theatre Technical
Design & Production
|
College(s) Attended
|
Villa Julie College (A.A. - Business Administration)
Northern Arizona University (B.S. - Theatre Management)
Notre Dame of Maryland (M.A. in Contemporary Communication) |
Hometown
|
Baltimore, MD
|
Bio: My
name is Ms. Weeks, and I am in the English department/everything Theatre. Seven years ago, I came to WHS as an intern
and just could not leave. If you are
interested in reporting the morning/weekly news you must join the Broadcast
club. I am an Advisor to Drama Club and
with WHS students, produce Woodlawn’s finest theatrical performances. There is wonderful talent at Woodlawn High
School!
Having spent several years in the air as a
flight attendant, I have traveled to every continent except for Antarctica and
Australia. I have lived in New York,
London, Los Angeles and St. Thomas, USVI. Tokyo and Paris are my favorite
cities. Travel is in my blood and, when I can, I love to explore new places,
meet new people, and make life-learning memories.
|
SPARC Teacher: Ms. Garcia (See SPARC Page)