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English

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At Emma, English courses ask students to grapple with big questions: What does it mean to be a member of a diverse community? What kind of person do I want to develop into? How does the representation of groups of people in books and films affect how I understand them?

Our students read and analyze works of literature ranging from Sophocles’ Antigone to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Books from the traditional canon of Western civilization are juxtaposed with works representing the experience of other cultures. In addition to extensive work in vocabulary, grammar, and expository writing, students learn to craft personal and creative pieces. The English Department provides the groundwork for university study in writing and literature and develops students’ skills as language artists.

Download our course catalog for more details and graduation requirements.

Course Catalog

students doing homework in the library

Curriculum Innovation Projects at Emma Willard School continue to inspire students and faculty alike to push the boundaries of traditional learning and teaching. English Instructor Brian Druckenmiller shares in his own words his exploration of building confident and capable writers through shifting to a process-based model.

Triangle Launch Party

Last night we celebrated the launch of Triangle, Emma Willard School’s literary and art magazine. The issue compiles works from the community into an annual magazine, and has historically been one of the first publications to feature many of Emma’s writers and artists as they embark on a lifetime of creation. After contributors spoke about and shared their work, those gathered were treated to a reading from D. Colin and a poetry workshop following the event! Click Read More for more photos.

Student Playwright Accomplishment

Keya M. ’26 was selected as the youngest of 12 winners in the Blank Theatre's Thirty-Third Annual Young Playwrights Festival. As a winner, her play Noor-eh-Man (which translates to "My Light" in Persian) will be professionally produced at the renowned Blank Theatre this summer in Los Angeles. For more information, click here. Congratulations!

shakespeare and co

Earlier this week Shakespeare and Co. visited campus for a production of Macbeth in Kiggins Auditorium! Six actors played over 25 different characters—a truly impressive performance! A Q&A session was held at the end followed by a shared lunch between the actors and students.

Dr. Esther Dettmar

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Esther Dettmar has been selected as Emma Willard School’s next dean of academics. Dr. Dettmar has been a member of the Emma Willard community since 2015 and has served our school with distinction in a number of roles throughout her tenure.

Two students discussing a book at desks in English class

English Faculty

Mr. Brian Druckenmiller

Mr. Brian Druckenmiller

English Department Chair, English Instructor, Assistant JV Soccer Coach
Ms. Erin Bennett

Ms. Erin Bennett

English Instructor
Ms. Caroline Boyajian

Ms. Caroline Boyajian

Director of Curriculum and Innovation, English Instructor
Dr. Esther Dettmar

Dr. Esther Dettmar

Dean of Academics
Ms. Bethany Loffredo-Dempsey

Ms. Bethany Loffredo-Dempsey

English Instructor, Assistant JV Field Hockey Coach, Head JV Lacrosse Coach, 10th Grade Class Dean
Ms. Meg McClellan

Ms. Meg McClellan

English Instructor, Margaret Wing Dodge Instructor in Literature, Starzinger Writing Center Coordinator
Ms. Kathleen McNamara

Ms. Kathleen McNamara

English Instructor
Ms. Shawna Norton

Ms. Shawna Norton

English Instructor
Mr. Tom Nygren

Mr. Tom Nygren

English Support
Ms. Molly Riley

Ms. Molly Riley

Assistant Director of Admissions & Student Life Liaison, Writing Support
Dr. Molly Shilo

Dr. Molly Shilo

English Instructor, Head Swimming & Diving Coach