Meet the Department
Teach students dexterity with English Language and Letters in order to produce academically successful and culturally responsive writers, readers, thinkers, and teachers who demonstrate the professional skills and dispositions necessary for solving complex problems, for the responding to a wide range of audiences, and for identifying and pursuing career-minded pathways upon graduation
Mr. William Arndt
Mr. Daniel Barcia
Mr. Max Brandt
English Teacher
- Journalism 1
- Guitar 1
B.A. from Montclair State University
Post-grad in Supervision at St. Peters's University
Post-grad in English at William Paterson
Mr. Arndt appreciates his fellow teachers at East Side. When not at ESHS, Mr. Arndt can be found shooting basketball, doing crossword puzzles, reading sci-fi and Beatles history, playing the guitar, singing in church and in a band, and teaching guitar. He has been coaching basketball for 35 years, including 25 years as a boys coach winning several tournaments and a league championship, coaching girls basketball for 10 years winning a local tournament performing on St. Patrick's Day for a nursing home. He also loves babysitting his granddaughter.
Dean and English Teacher
- Public Speaking
- Dean of Restorative Practices
B.A. in English and Educational Theory
Mr. Barcia enjoys working at East Side because it feels like home. When not at ESHS, he loves being outdoors. His hobbies include sports, camping, fishing, and traveling.
English Teacher
- Honors English I
- Pre-AP English
- Creative Writing
Undergrad at Montclair State
Masters at Montclair State
Mr. Brandt did his student teaching at East Side and never wanted to leave. the culture, the teachers who are engaged with teaching, and the support for innovation are all unique benefits of East Side. Outside of school, Mr. Brandt enjoys reading and playing with his son and working on his farm in upstate NY.
Mr. Kevin Garrido
English Teacher
- English I
B.A. in English from Rutgers-Newark
M.A. in Teaching of English from Columbia University
Although I didn't attend East Side like some of the staff here, East Side reminds me a lot of my own High School experience; I grew up surrounded and raised by immigrants. As a first-generation Ecuadorian, I connect to a lot of what the students and even parents of students experience as part of the East Side community. As a teacher, I want to make sure that I reflect the values of the immigrant community that is so highly represented here at the school. Outside of school, I enjoy watching movies and streaming shows—especially ones that have me so emotionally invested I feel like I've parted ways with a close friend by the end of it. I'm a humongous coffee aficionado; I care a lot about quality of beans and often will participate in coffee tasting events. My favorite notes within a brew of coffee are berry and citrus flavors. On weekends, I will spend my time either reading the latest chapter of the One Piece manga series or catching a movie. I love reading and writing poetry; you can find some of my work in literary journals such as Hinchas de Poesia, Acentos Review, and Juked.
Mr. Timothy Healy
English Teacher
- Honors English II
B.A. Marist College
Mr. Healy appreciates how East Side people are warm, friendly, open-minded, and dedicated. He is a retiree teacher who is happy to be back with alert and interesting young people.
Ms. Solmaaz Houtan
English Teacher
- English I
- English III
B.A. in English from Montclair State
M.A. in Teaching from Montclair State
Ms. Houtan loves working at East Side because of the rich culture and supportive staff! Talking to and learning from students is one of her favorite things to do at East Side. In her free time Ms. Houtan enjoys exploring seasonal activities like skiing/snowboarding, hiking, and swimming.
Mr. Daniel Litevsky
English Teacher
- English IV
AAS from Ocean County College
BA from Rowan University
MA from Georgian Court College
Mr. Litevsky fell in love with the culture and community at East Side. He is an avid beach goer. He loves the shore and that's why he drives 60 miles to Newark everyday.
Ms. Mary Lyne
English Teacher
- English IV
- Public Speaking
B.A. from Hunter College of the City University of NY
Post-Grad courses at Montclair State University; New Hampshire University; and Relay University, Newark, NJ
Ms. Lyne loves working with her students, fellow teachers, and administrators. Outside of school, Ms. Lyne enjoys anything to do with live music! She enjoys unsigned original acts, as well as national and international recording artists. She sings with her choir at Blessed Sacrament/St. Charles Borremeo Church in Newark. Ms. Lyne also enjoys plays and movies. She won the Best Actress Award from her Drama Club's performances at high school in Brooklyn, NY.
Mr. Steve Osborne
English Teacher
- English II
- English IV
B.A. in Business from Utah State University
M.A. in Special Education from New Jersey City University
Mr. Osborne's wife and family are from the Newark Ironbound area. He has coached high school football for the last 28 years and was Head Coach at East Side from 2003-2007. Mr. Osborne has been a musician since age 11 and he started his first hardcore punk band at 12. He has been in bands in the local NJHC scene since then.
Ms. Carina Rodrigues
English Teacher
- AP Language
- Honors English 3
B.A. in English and Portuguese from Rutgers University
Ms. Rodrigues was raised in Newark and attended East Side before going to Rugters. She came back after college and have now been teaching at East Side for over a decade. Ms. Rodrigues loves reading, writing, travel, podcasts, and cooking shows.
Mr. Ricky Scotton
English Teacher
- English
- Creative Writing
M.A. in Educational Leadership and Creative Writing
Mr. Scotton feels that East Side and Ironbound are the perfect area for him. Outside of school he enjoys sports, music, and travel. He served eight years in the United States Marines. He graduated with a 3.8 GPA and pledged Kappa Delta Pi at Seton Hall University. He has ran a marathon. Survived cold weather training. Always looking to have fun.