Mission For The Class

My English classes will examine literary devices and techniques, become proficient in standard written

English and grammar including the basic parts of speech, discuss and analyze genres of literature,

defend in speech and writing an opinion, and successfully compose essays of various lengths in

accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines in narrative, informative, and

persuasive writings. The students will also produce creative projects and, at the advanced level,

research topics for lengthier essays. I strongly believe in my personal credo, "EDUCATE, ILLUMINATE,

INSPIRE."

About The Teacher

I graduated from the University of Dayton in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. As a senior I

served as president of the UD chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. In May

of 2006 I earned a Master's Degree in English from Slippery Rock University. I have taught in the Hopewell

Area School District since 1996. As of 2010, Hopewell students had nominated me to nine editions of Who's 
Who Among America's Teachers, and I have been included in the 2010-11 and 2012-13 editions of Biltmore 
Who's Who in North American Education. Also, the Congressional Youth Leadership Council has named me an 
honory member of its national nominating committee.

From 2005 through 2016, I coached the High School's women's varsity soccer team. During the 2013 season, 
the girls reached the WPIAL final and the PIAA semifinals and also earned me career victory number 100 at 
Hopewell. Prior to that, the 2008 squad had earned me the 100th victory of my coaching career. My previous 
coaching experience includes Beaver Area High School boys as a volunteer (2003-04), Beaver Area girls head 
coach (1998-2002), and as an assistant coach at Blackhawk (1996-97). From 2008-10 I also served as an 
assistant for the Beadling Soccer Club's 93-94 girls when they won their fourth and fifth straight PA West State 
Cups.

All content and items (notes, handouts, worksheets, etc.) included on this website are for the intended use of Mr. Byrnes and his students. Duplication, use, and distribution is not authorized unless permission is granted by the teacher.