English Journal - Volume 101, Issue 5, 2012

Members of the Secondary Section Steering Committee comment on topics of importance to English language arts educators.

Members of the Secondary Section Steering Committee comment on topics of importance to English language arts educators.

“Speaking My Mind” invites readers to speak out about controversial issues relevant to the teaching of English language arts.

“Speaking My Mind” invites readers to speak out about controversial issues relevant to the teaching of English language arts.

Stewart suggests novels and themes to which all readers can relate and in which immigrant, adolescent girls will see themselves.

The authors demonstrate instruction of a popular text in a manner that aligns with the new Common Core State Standards.

Shakespearean graphic novels are far more valuable for “active perceivers” than “passive receivers.”

Teaching graphic novels isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort.

A teacher and published author of biographies of John Lennon, Jesse Owens, Condoleezza Rice, and others, Edmondson offers great ideas for bringing biography into secondary English classes.

English teachers are far too busy to write for publication. So why do so many of us do it?

Gulla offers a snapshot of a successful reading workshop in a challenging school environment.

Do you find traditional, out-of-context grammar instruction too limiting? Try Zuidema’s suggestions of field notebooks, mentor text analysis, and more.

Close reading, deep understanding, and fun are just some of the benefits Bintz’s students derive from writing humorous versions of well-known poems.

The real winners in this literary contest are Gillespie’s students.

Mentoring Matters focuses on effective ways to support new English teachers and student teachers.

Off the Shelves discusses new young adult literature and explores ways of teaching YA texts in middle and high school English classes.