This school year has brought some unexpected changes to the schedules of twelfth grade English teachers of San Luis Obispo High School (SLOHS). English teacher and department chair Ivan Simon is taking a class load even more challenging than most teachers at SLOHS.

 When asked how confident he is with the material, Simon sarcastically said, “I’m overconfident.”

 Although he has not taught the class for twenty-two years, Simon has agreed to teach Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature, to fill the gap left by former teacher James Bruce. Simon is scheduled to teach two periods of eleventh grade AP English Language and Composition and two periods of twelfth grade AP English Literature this trimester.  

 “I think people are surprised when I tell them I’m teaching both eleventh and twelfth grade AP,” said Simon. “I feel that it’s a real challenge. I’ve had to do a lot of preparation over the summer. I’ve even gone back and looked at the readings I did when I earned my Master’s in English.”

 Twelfth grade British Literature is no longer taught at SLOHS, which leaves only two available English classes for seniors.  English teacher Mike Lara will be teaching four periods of twelfth grade Expository English this trimester, while English teacher Scott Nairne will be teaching one.