ERIC HOOD

Contributed by Stephanie Boji
EMU journalism student
April, 2006    

For Eric Hood, a 1999 EMU English and education graduate, teaching sometimes involves guerilla tactics ... guerilla poetry, that is!

            Eric Hood’s interests range from chess to guerilla poetry.  He has managed to throw them all into the mix in his job as a high school English teacher.

            Hood, who graduated in 1999 with a double major in English and education, is currently working on his master’s degree. 

            “My first degree was in psychology, so my path to English was very serendipitous,” remarked Hood. 

            Hood really appreciated the efforts of two of his professors at EMU:  Dr. Laura George, associate dean, and William Tucker.  Hood credits them with inspiring him to change his career path from studying the mind to teaching youthful minds. 

            In addition to the encouragement of his mentors, Hood said the overall course content of the English department’s curriculum provided him with valuable lessons for success in his career. 

            Currently, Hood is teaching English at Southgate Anderson High School.  The courses he covers are American literature, advanced placement writing and literature, British literature, and film as literature.         

            The achievement Hood is most proud of at Anderson High is receiving the title of department head the same year that he was tenured. 

            “I took our school’s AP program from 12 students to more than 100,” said Hood. 

            Another accomplishment Hood takes pride in is developing the curriculum for five different courses in the English department at Anderson High. 

            Teaching is only one of the activities that fill Hood’s days at Anderson High.  He gets a workout as coach of the tennis team.  And his directorial skills are put to good use in the drama department. 

            Hood gets a mental workout as supervisor of the quiz bowl for the academic team at Anderson High.  Students compete with other high schools in categories such as art, history, math, music and sports.           

            Hood also created the chess club, guitar club, film club and guerilla poets - a performance poetry club. 

            Hood designed the Friday night film club to give students the opportunity to enjoy an enlightening film while hanging out with their friends. 

            Hood shows films that are usually not showing at local movie theaters.  They cover themes and genres that may be new to the students.  This diversity provides the students with entertainment as well as greater cultural awareness. 

            Overall, Hood is very happy in his current position.  But he is not closing the door to any enticing career options that may come his way.