Ms. Leah Darnell

 Ms. Leah Darnell

Instructor for Middle School Language Arts

7th & 8th Grade Language Arts

darnellle@etsu.edu

Alexander Hall Room 219

 

 

With over 15 years of experience in education, I have taught English Language Arts across grades 7–12 in both Kingsport City and Johnson City Schools before finding my place at University School. I am a proud two-time graduate of East Tennessee State University, where I earned both my Bachelor’s degree and my Master’s in School Librarianship.

My passion lies in helping students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers. I believe books are at the heart of all learning, and I strive to create a classroom environment that encourages curiosity, deep thinking, and a lifelong love of reading. Whether we’re diving into a novel, exploring a poem, or engaging in research, my goal is to make literature meaningful and relevant to students’ lives.

Beyond the classroom, I’ve worked closely with the Tennessee Department of Education for more than a decade, serving as a teacher advisor for curriculum and instruction and contributing to the development of the TCAP assessments.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading widely—I've read over 1,200 books and counting! I grew up in Kingsport and now live in Johnson City with my family and two dogs. I love sharing stories, finding the perfect book for every reader, and helping students see themselves as capable and creative individuals.

• Syllabus

  Click here to access the syllabus

• Schedule

  1^st Period - 8:00-9:00
  Planning

  2^ndPeriod - 9:05-10:15
  Room 219
  Language Arts 8B

  3^rd/4^thPeriod - 10:20-11:30
  Room 219
  Language Arts 8A
  

  Lunch - 11:30-12:00
  Lunch
  

  5^thPeriod - 12:05-12:30
  Specials
  

  6^thPeriod - 12:35-1:45
  Room 219
  Language Arts 7B
  

  7^thPeriod - 1:50-3:00
  Room 219
  Language Arts 7A