English 10, English 11, Creative Writing Teacher | 6 Years of Experience
[email protected] | Bachelor of Arts in English, California State University, Long Beach | Master’s in English Composition, California State University, Dominguez Hills

 

Mr. Anthony Vandunk is a dedicated and passionate English and Creative Writing teacher with 6 years of experience in education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master’s in English Composition from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Mr. Vandunk believes that education is a fundamental human right and that every student is capable of learning. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the importance of equitable access and treatment for all students. He designs assignments and classroom activities to accommodate diverse learning styles by addressing multiple modalities. He believes that true equity includes creating space for growth, which is why he encourages and rewards revision on all writing assignments. In his classroom, Mr. Vandunk fosters an inclusive environment where students feel safe to share their unique knowledge, empowering both themselves and their peers. He emphasizes the importance of community, recognizing that writing is a deeply personal act. By building a respectful and caring classroom atmosphere, he helps students overcome insecurities about their writing and develop a strong writer identity that will continue to grow throughout their lives.

 

In his classroom, Mr. Vandunk engages students with culturally relevant texts and challenges them to address real-world issues in their writing. His favorite subject to teach is writing because it offers students the opportunity to see their growth in real time.

Mr. Vandunk is proud of his past role as editor-in-chief of Enjambed, CSUDH’s student literary journal. He also serves as the faculty sponsor for the Black Student Union (BSU) and the HArts Debate Club, attending monthly debate tournaments with his students.

 

He incorporates technology into his teaching by assigning all work digitally and guiding students on how to access online academic databases and resources. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending time with his twin children, Leon and Mayetta.

 

To maintain a healthy work-life balance, Mr. Vandunk leverages technology to streamline his work and sets boundaries between his personal and professional life. He was recognized with the Best New Teacher Award at Alain Leroy Locke College Preparatory Academy, and he considers his proudest moments to be when former students thank him for preparing them for the rigor of college.