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English

English 6

In this course, we will be focusing on the building blocks of strong writing: syntax, grammar, descriptive language, structure, voice, and fluidity. We will also be honing our skills as engaged, thoughtful readers and critical thinkers. To support these endeavors, we will be archaeologists of text, mining for device and meaning. We will employ various forms of writing: daily quick writes, summations of articles, a fairytale in short-story format, the five-paragraph essay, and poetry. It is my hope that students will maintain/develop a life-long love of reading and writing, and that they will begin to find their voice in their writing and in our Socratic-based class discussion.
English 7

Building upon the English 6 foundation, 7th graders will be reintroduced to the study of language and literature by developing an understanding of its origins and purposes. Students will create an original upcycled piece of art and an artist's statement in conjunction with a service project: Run For The Water. Next, we will read myths from across the globe to better understand archetypal stories, themes, and characters. Students will be prompted to analyze themes through discussion and to display comprehension and critical-thinking skills through formal writing and multimodal mediums. Students will specifically study Joseph Campbell and The Hero's Journey, then create a hero's journey of their own; as a short story, play, graphic novel, or film. Students will complete the year with a book of choice and analysis of archetypes present in their contemporary novel. Then, we will revisit conventions in writing as we work on five-paragraph essays. Finally, students will present arguments to the class.
English 8

This year-long course develops students' critical reading, analytical writing, and effective communication skills through the study of diverse literary genres. Students will explore themes of identity, growth, and moral development across various texts while strengthening their command of written and spoken English. Topics include short stories, novels, poetry, non-fiction, and Shakespeare.

Ben Beach

MS English Guide

b.beach@headwaters.org
Bio
In my sixteen years as a professional educator, I have taught at all levels from elementary through college, with most of that time in middle and high school. I have mainly taught English, Literature, Composition, Social Studies, and Study Skills courses, as well as leading a variety of clubs and activities, ranging from creative writing to bicycle mechanics to GarageBand composing. Teaching has rooted me in my hometown of Austin, TX, as well as taken me abroad to Madrid, Spain; Dalian, China; and Shanghai, China. While I loved the time learning and living in other cultures, I am thrilled to be back in Austin, where my wife and I want our two sons to feel rooted, no matter where we happen to be in the world. I am even more thrilled to have found Headwaters School, as it embraces all the very best characteristics and approaches that strong international schools around the world adopt. This globally aligned focus on preparing students to engage positively with the world really sets it apart from so many of the options available. I look forward to each moment I get to spend working together with students, teachers, parents, and administrators to grow our community through connection and compassion.
Tia Butler

HS English Guide

Whitman College, BA
University of Texas at Austin, PhD

t.butler@headwaters.org
Bio
I was born and raised just north of Seattle in Arlington, Washington, where I spent my childhood riding horses and competing in show jumping with my beloved horse, Andy. I earned my BA in Spanish Language and Literature from Whitman College, where a year abroad in Madrid sparked a lifelong love of travel and global literature.

I hold a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Texas at Austin, where my research focused on Afro-Caribbean and diasporic literature, popular culture, and the representation of Haiti in U.S. media. My dissertation, "Haiti in Hollywood," explored portrayals of Haitian identity in literature and film. In 2015, I received a Foreign Language Education Scholarship to study Haitian Creole in Haiti.

At UT, I taught for five years in both the Rhetoric and Writing and Spanish and Portuguese departments, including a course I designed called The Rhetoric of Witchcraft, which used affect theory to examine the demonization of marginalized groups.

Now based in North Austin with my partner, James, and our two dogs and cat, I teach with the belief that literature is one of our greatest tools for empathy and global awareness. I strive to help students find their voice, deepen their understanding of the world, and engage with the rich diversity of global texts.
Lindsay Doleshal

MS English Guide

University of Texas at Austin, BA in English
Sarah Lawrence College, MFA in Theatre

l.doleshal@headwaters.org
Bio
I am grateful to be a part of a school committed to peacemaking, advocacy, creativity, and thinking critically. My reason for wanting to work with this lovely community is mainly due to the tenets it holds dear and the loving, intelligent mentors and guides that work here. After being here a short time, I have also come to have a great appreciation for the eclectic creativity and wisdom the students possess. So, thank you for having me.

I have been teaching in one form or another for over twenty years. After obtaining my BA in English from UT Austin, I substitute taught while running a theatre company. Then, I moved to Chicago, where I taught ESL to students from all over the world at Kaplan Education Center, and I ran a free, underground ESL school for undocumented kitchen workers. I also studied sketch comedy and taught sketch writing through Second City at this time. After Chicago, I completed an MFA in Theatre from Sarah Lawrence College with focus on directing and playwriting. After obtaining my MFA, I acted in NY and taught Theatre to youth in the Bronx and Yonkers.

I moved back to Austin to produce music and other events at The Historical Victory Grill. I also taught poetry and spoken word there. After a few years, I started another theatre company with friends from NY called Present Company. A couple of years later, I got married, moved to Copenhagen, and had my son, Henry, who is in 5th grade now. While in Copenhagen, I taught part time at a Montessori school and ran a cooking/supper club called "The Italian Underground."

Henry and I returned to Austin in 2012. I continued making art and tutoring students in writing. After a couple of years, I took a job at Whole Life Learning Center, first as an assistant, then as a Reading and Writing specialist. After three years, I accepted a job at The Girls’ School of Austin, teaching sixth grade Humanities and 7th grade Social Justice. I also launched En Route Productions that continues to produce innovative art in unusual spaces around Austin. Now, I am here, and grateful to have landed in such a cool, conscientious, and unique environment.

Much love and respect,

Lindsay
Jen Masterson

HS English & ToK Guide

BA University of Texas at Austin
MFA New England College
MSW University of Texas at Arlington

j.masterson@headwaters.org
Bio
Though notoriously bad at remembering even the most basic jokes, I am the very first person in the room to laugh at them (again and again). I can even be accidentally hysterical too. Red is my favorite color, and Nordic detective shows are my go-to when there are no new Survivor episodes to watch with my family.

In 1982, I earned 2nd place in Mendenhall Elementary’s spelling bee (lost on the word galactic) and snagged a blue ribbon in a field day foot race the next year. However, the prizes I am most proud of from that time in my life are a perfect attendance certificate (no unexcused days missed in six years) and the almost life-size John Travolta coloring book I received on my 10th birthday.

Now, I channel that same quirky devotion into my work at Headwaters, where I teach HS English and Theory of Knowledge, advise Extended Essays, and support students as a co-sponsor of the Merit Council, sponsor of the student literary magazine Bibelot, and sponsor of CLIDE, our campus improvement club.

I hold degrees in English (UT Austin), Creative Writing (MFA, New England College), and Social Work (MSW, UT Arlington), and spent several years working as a therapist and mental health advocate before feeling an irresistible call to return to the classroom.

Headwaters had me at student-led. I knew from the start that I wanted to be part of a community that strives to live authentically, think expansively, and create bravely. I’m so grateful to be among people who care deeply, question curiously, and show up wholeheartedly.

Please find me and say hello—tell me what you’re reading, share a passion project, or teach me a trick (party or otherwise). I’m always ready to listen and eager to connect.

Springs Campus

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18 months to Pre-K

6305 Menchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78745
Phone: 512-443-8843
Fax: 512-805-0005

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Elementary School

9607 Brodie Ln., Austin, TX 78748
Phone: 512-804-2708
Fax: 512-628-4810

River Campus

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Middle & High School

801 Rio Grande St., Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-480-8142
Fax: 512-480-0278

As a 501(c)3 non-profit school, Headwaters School does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local law in its admissions, financial aid, hiring, or board membership processes.

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Explore Our Curriculum

English

English 6

English 7

English 8

Springs Campus

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18 months to Pre-K

Creek Campus

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Elementary School

River Campus

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Middle & High School