Why hello there! I'm the instructor for this course, Erin Graham. I am a desert native who graduated from Palm Springs High School, went to UCLA, then came back & started teaching. In my "day job", I'm the English dept. chair at PSHS, & I'm in my 16th year of teaching. I usually teach 10th & 12th grade, but I've taught all levels and grades. This year is quite a bit different, & I'm teaching 10th, 11th, & 12th grade, as well as 2 English 1A courses for COD. This is my 6th year teaching English for COD, & I've taught several courses online. I love it, & I hope you do too!

I know that this year has brought incredible trials, anxiety, & grief. I applaud you for continuing your education in the face of a global pandemic & in the midst of a second civil rights movement. I know that we will have incredible conversations & meaningful connections throughout the semester, & I'm really looking forward to getting to know each of you!

I'm married with no children, although we do have 4 cats and 2 dogs. Here's a pic of my husband (Chad) and me at my master's graduation in 2012. He's very tall. I am not.

Picture of Erin & her husband at her master's graduation