I hold an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Iowa, a masters of education from Viterbo University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During my 18 years of teaching middle through high school literature and writing courses, I earned recognition as a National Board Certified Teacher of the the English Language Art for Young Adults and Adolescents. This certification signifies a deep understanding of the academic content, learners, and the contexts that can affect them.
My 29 year teaching career started in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and in rural southern Iowa, beginning in the 7th grade English and ESL classroom, into high school English and German, and finally into university English and journalism classrooms. I directed a university writing center for five years, working with undergraduate and graduate students. Along the way, I served 15 years as a Reader and Table Leader for the College Board's AP English Language and Composition exam.
Teaching and talking about writing is just about the most fun and productive professional activity I can think of. I firmly believe a person who can write well can do just about anything. In my spare time, I ride bikes (road, gravel, and mountain) and hike whenever I can.