Education

• PhD in English at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1991
• BA in English at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., 1976

Why I Teach

My approach to teaching centers on creating a supportive environment in the classroom where I can draw young adults into probing conversations about literature and writing. I want my students to understand the critical roles of stories and poetry in our society throughout the years — and how they have comforted and delighted.

Engaging these thought-provoking conversations is one of the most enjoyable activities that I have pursued during my lifetime.