Brad Cook         By way of introduction, just let me say that I was new to Highland last year, and am happy to be a part of the Highland Park Senior High English Department. I have a rather varied background. Before becoming a teacher, I worked for public television, in the music business, and the construction industry. I first began teaching in 1994, at the ripe old age of 40., and am currently in the final stages of publishing my first manuscript in a very long time.         After 3 years as an elementary teacher, I was recruited by the St. Paul Public Schools as a media specialist for Humboldt Junior High. It was there that I discovered that I had an affinity for teaching kids that age. I remained a junior high teacher for nine years, though changed to teaching English and moved to Monroe Community School six  years ago. As you can tell, I have wanderlust, and don't tend to stay in one place too long.         For many years I had thought about teaching high school, and finally had the opportunity to teach at Highland. Have you ever heard the expression, "be careful what you wish for?" (only kidding). I have found teaching to be the most difficult, yet the most rewarding occupation I have held; and while the challenges are many, especially in a new school, with new curriculum , it is still something that excites me and makes me look forward to going to work every day. I enjoy working with students, and still maintain my passion for the process of teaching. It is, indeed, a blessed person who can pursue their passion - and I am grateful for the opportunity each and every day.     It is my sincere intent to bring my love of literature and ideas to my students and create a passion in them for truly great writing and unique, often controversial ideas expressed by writers who have pushed the boundaries of human thought and understanding. One of the greatest sources of excitement that literature brings; and one of the unique things I truly enjoy about teaching literature, is the frank discussion in class of the philosophies embodied in the various works. What other discipline has the opportunity to discuss ideas at the very core of our existence? Please work with me in helping your child reach success?  WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP EVERY STUDENT REACH SUCCESS. - CARPE DIEM!        11th Grade American Literature American Literature has a rich, yet short history, which, like all other literature, reflects the times and influences, as well as the influences of the various cultural periods in history. There is much to choose from, so the texts listed below are a sampling of what may be offered during the year. I reserve the right to select texts based on the needs and desires of my students, as long as I can find class sets of various titles available in the building. As always, accomodations are made for students with IEP's, and their assignments and assessments may be modified to suit their learning needs and abilities. 9th Grade Pre-IB English Below, is the syllabus for my 9IB class. These classes offer greater challenges to students who wish to challenge their academic limits and prepare for the more rigorous college curriculum ahead. IB classes are very scripted, and as a result, don't allow for much variance from either the content or the procedures,. They rely on more student work being done outside of class, and require students to be self-motivating. While IB classes aren't for everyone, I challenge every student to at least try one IB class while at Highland. You may discover that you enjoy greater academic rigor, and that the challenges invigorate your thirst for learning.