Episcopal School of Acadiana is seeking a dynamic and engaging secondary English teacher.  Specific course assignments will vary based on the successful candidate’s interests and expertise.  Our English department fosters three core skills: active reading, critical thinking, and crisp writing. As an Episcopal school, we also endeavor to advance the ethical development of our students, and we consider the English department’s curriculum and teachers vital components of that mission. Through a wide range of developmentally appropriate fiction and nonfiction reading and writing, students wrestle with moral and ethical questions. Teachers act as guides and facilitators who lead students toward logical and empathetic values in verbal and written expression. They will engage students in a variety of ways to engender enthusiasm for the lessons, and embrace the idea of experiential learning.

Our English curriculum introduces students to the foundations of world literature and to the practice of writing about literature. Freshmen explore the roots of the major early written texts in the sacred scripture, mythology, folklore, and songs of ancient civilizations. Anchor texts vary from year to year but have included Gilgamesh, The Ramayana, and The Odyssey.  Sophomores study British literature and explore the major literary periods, topics and themes beginning with the Anglo-Saxon period and ending with the Modern period.  Juniors study American literature and have the option to take AP English Language and Composition. ESA senior English students take two one-semester capstone courses of their choosing.  Course offerings vary from year to year and may focus on specific topics, themes, genres, or authors. While exposing students to a variety of traditions and points of view, these courses refine and develop student critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.

The English curriculum coincides with the social studies curriculum, and English class discussion and writing assignments help students draw connections between selected texts and what they are learning in social studies about history, literature, philosophy, and culture. Grammar, rhetoric, and composition lessons ensure that students master the ability to produce academic writing that demonstrates not only standard English grammar and mechanics, but also the sensitive use of a wide range of sentence constructions.