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The report profiles the work of Marsha S. Slater, who teaches at the International High School in New York (New York), a highly successful school devoted exclusively to enabling English-as-a-Second-Language students to develop the linguistic, cognitive, and cultural skills necessary for success in and beyond high school. The report describes the professional environments in which she works and has participated throughout her teaching career, and the specific ways she helps her students become highly literate language users. Focus is on the connections between professional influences, teaching approaches, and student achievement. The first section describes the structure, philosophy, and teaching methods of the International High School program. The second section reviews Marsha Slater's professional experience and team approach. Part three explores how English is experienced in her classroom through student groups, student talk, writing, reading, thinking, and assessment. The fourth part discusses significant elements in her classroom and the links between her professional life and classroom practice. Some instructional materials are appended. Contains 9 references. (MSE)