RL.8.1 Cite the textual evidence that most strongly
supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly
as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL.8.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and
analyze its development over the course of the text,
including its relationship to the characters, setting,
and plot; provide an objective summary of the text.
RL.8.3 Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents
in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects
of a character, or provoke a decision.
RL.8.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as
they are used in a text, including figurative and
connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific
word choices on meaning and tone, including
analogies or allusions to other texts.
RL.8.5 Compare and contrast the structure of two or more
texts and analyze how the differing structure of each
text contributes to its meaning and style.
RL.8.6 Analyze how differences in the points of view of the
characters and the audience or reader (e.g., created
through the use of dramatic irony) create such
effects as suspense or humor.
RL.8.7 Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live
production of a story or drama stays faithful to
or departs from the text or script, evaluating the
choices made by the director or actors.
RL.8.9 Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on
themes, patterns of events, or character types from
myths, traditional stories, or religious works such as
the Bible, including describing how the material is
rendered new
W.8.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear
reasons and relevant evidence.
W.8.1.a Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish
the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and
organize the reasons and evidence logically.
W.8.1.b Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant
evidence, using accurate, credible sources and
demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
W.8.1.c Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion
and clarify the relationships among claim(s),
counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
W.8.1.d Establish and maintain a formal style.
W.8.1.e Provide a concluding statement or section that
follows from and supports the argument presented.
W.8.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined
experiences or events using effective technique,
relevant descriptive details, and well-structured
event sequences.
W.8.3.a Engage and orient the reader by establishing a
context and point of view and introducing a narrator
and/or characters; organize an event sequence that
unfolds naturally and logically.
W.8.3.b Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing,
description, and reflection, to develop experiences,
events, and/or characters.
W.8.3.c Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and
clauses to convey sequence, signal shifts from one
time frame or setting to another, and show the
relationships among experiences and events.
W.8.3.d Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive
details, and sensory language to capture the action
and convey experiences and events.
W.8.3.e Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects
on the narrated experiences or events. 
W.8.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which
the development, organization, and style are
appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

I began reading at the age of three and have averaged multiple books a week since. I first read Frankenstein at nine and have returned to it regularly since. 
 I have a honor's in discipline in English from East Tennessee State University where my focus was on middle grades and young adult literature. I was a peer tutor for four years teaching college level English including preparing students to take the GRE for an additional two years. I have been teaching online book clubs for two years online and last year my average student who took standardized pre-post tests (The NWEA MAP Growth exam) improved their reading placement by two grade levels.  
I completed my undergraduate thesis on the subject of middle grades literature and won local and state wide awards including having the honor of presenting at a statewide conference for outstanding undergraduate research. 
Relevant Coursework: 
Read 3100 Teach Read for K-6. This course is exceptionally relevant to this course as it provided a foundation in the science of reading approach which provides explicit, direct, and accurate phonics based instruction to support all readers. This is utilized in this course despite the difference in age ranges through optional spelling activities to support learners who may have lagging skills in reading and spelling. 
Read 3200: Teaching Writing and Language Arts. This course provided frameworks and strategies for teaching writing in motivating ways to students and for understanding the development pathways of writing and language arts. 
Eng 3118: Honor's Lit Focus. In this focus I explored representations of American History, focusing on the complex history of  California, through a variety of literature for adolescents. This class also modeled engaging ways of teaching literature for this age group and dealing with complex subject matter. 
English 4077: Literature For Adolescents This class focused on the teaching, critical analysis, and exploration of literature for middle school students. It explored methods of education and dealing with complex subject matter as well as strategies for evaluating texts both academically and developmentally. 

Homework Offered
Students will complete daily reading and writing activities Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This should take approximately  one hour per day. They will also complete two short projects. 
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered

We will be reading the "Core Classics" edition of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.