Chair, English/Chair, Foreign Languages and Literatures/Associate Professor
Writing, Lang and Lit, School of
Hemphill Hall 4115
PO Box 6935
Hello! I am the Director of the School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL)--which includes both the Department of English and the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. I teach graduate and undergraduate courses for folks who are planning to be English language arts teachers, and I coordinate the English education program. I also provide consulting for school districts across the state about teaching reading and writing in middle and high school classrooms, and my research is focused on the best ways to prepare future teachers to be professional educators.
Teaching Writing - Theories and Practices (ENGL 402/502): This is a "methods" course, which will prepare you with practical skills, instructional strategies and best practices for teaching writing in your career as an English language arts teacher.
Teaching Reading in the English Classroom (ENGL 423/523): In this course, you will explore the science of reading, digital literacy, instructional strategies and pedagogical approaches to design effective, evidence-based reading instruction for middle school and high school aged students.
The Study of Children's Literature (ENGL 424): Children's literature is so much more than picture books! In this literature class, you will explore the history of children's literature, current trends and how to use children's literature to motivate and engage readers of any age.
Grammar and Language for Teachers (ENGL 463/563): In this socio-linguistic course, you will learn the "why" behind English language structure, as well as the "how" of effective grammar instruction.
School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL) Director: As director, I do a lot of different things like schedule classes and work with students to solve problems and to overcome challenges related to their academic success. I work closely with the leadership team in the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS) to ensure that students and faculty have the resources and equipment to meet the needs of Radford students.
English Education Program Coordinator: If you plan a career as an English teacher, you and I will work closely together, along with your academic advisor, so that you graduate with your teaching licensure. Together, we will arrange your courses as well as the non-academic qualifications required by the Virginia Department of Education.
Professional Education Committee Member: I am a member of the Professional Education Committee here at Radford University. This group oversees the teacher education programs at Radford and ensures the continued accreditation and approvals of teacher preparation programs at the university.
I read a lot of young adult literature as part of my job (and because I love it!), and my current music hyper-fixation is Sleep Token.