Which classes do you teach online?
ENG 101: College Writing; ENG 291: Advanced College Writing; ENG 340: Business Writing; ENG 347: Technical Writing
What do you want students in your courses to learn? What is the learning outcome or objective?
How to be coherent on the page or webpage. To know what will be expected of them in the workplace setting. How to problem solve and recognize how to modify their current skills to adapt to new and changing requests that will be made of them. The know-how to work collaboratively. To have confidence in what they are doing.
Why did you start teaching?
I have always had a passion for teaching. I used to line up my stuffed animals and call attendance—and try to make my little brother and sister do homework that I had assigned them! I want to contribute to my society, and I believe the best way to do that is to have knowledgeable and informed citizens that aren't afraid to face challenges.
What advice would you give to those considering this online program?
It takes a certain kind of learner to be successful in an online program. Be self-motivated, don't procrastinate, read everything carefully and ask questions.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in the field in which you teach?
Careful research, thoughtful structuring, punctuality, marketing yourself and your skills, being flexible, being patient, and exploring options.
What do you think is the biggest challenge that people in the profession face today?
Budget cuts. Although my focus is on professional and technical writing—and the skills I teach are important in the business world—the field of English is being overshadowed by STEM programs. The funding for the Humanities just isn't there. No money for teachers means lower quality education.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
"The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students may not know.
I play Dungeons & Dragons every weekend.
