Two English professors inducted into WSU Academy of Teachers

Amy Latawiec (associate professor of teaching) and Nicole Varty (associate professor of teaching) have been inducted into the WSU Academy of Teachers, whose members help foster a culture of teaching excellence at the university by modeling and sharing their own pedagogical expertise.

Professor Latawiec works in the field of rhetoric and composition, and she has long been known for her exceptional teaching of ENG 1010 (Basic Writing). This course prepares at-risk students for college-level writing, and Professor Latawiec has developed its curriculum from the ground up and mentored other instructors teaching it. In addition, she has created an innovative stretch curriculum that brings students from ENG 1010 to ENG 1020 (Introductory College Writing) in order to maximize their academic growth and success. Through a pedagogy that involves deep listening and observation of where students are at, she empowers her students to excel in college and life.

Professor Varty is also a specialist in rhetoric and composition, and she is well known for her dynamic approach to teaching ENG 1020. As the chair of the Mentoring and Professional Development Committee, Professor Varty has mentored fellow composition instructors (particularly graduate teaching assistants) as they develop courses grounded in inclusivity and reflection. Professor Varty is also a co-convener of the Composition Learning Community, which features peer mentoring and an end-of-the-semester showcase where students share the fruits of their research.

Congratulations to Professor Latawiec and Professor Varty on this well-deserved honor!