Troy Hicks :: Professional Portfolio

Reflecting on Teaching, Scholarship, and Service

This portfolio represents my work during the 2007-08 academic year and has been compiled with the expectations of Central Michigan University, the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the Department of English in mind. This page serves as an introduction to my work with other elements of my narrative embedded in the pages of the portfolio related to reaching, scholarship, and service.

Teaching

As an English Educator, my work centers on the practice of teaching writing. My primary responsibilities at CMU focus on ENG 315, a course that prepares pre-service teachers to teach writing. Combining my professional interests in literacy and technology with the standard content of the course, I have developed a unique approach to teaching ENG 315, an approach that invites students to compose print and non-print texts as they develop a theoretical understanding and practical knowledge about how to teach writing.

Scholarship

English education, an inherently interdisciplinary field, offers me the opportunity to research and write about a variety of topics. From a partnership with one high school teacher, to my role as a technology liaison for a significant Title II professional development grant, to reflections on the role of a writing center in technology-rich, K-12 outreach efforts, my work this year allows me to look closely at classroom practices while also examining larger trends in English education such as adolescent literacy, digital literacy, assessment of writing, professional development for teachers, and pre-service teacher education programs.

Service

Inherently a part of my teaching and scholarship, service allows me to give back to the professional while also representing Central Michigan University in local, state, national, and international contexts. In my varied roles, especially with organizations that focus on the teaching of writing, I continue to serve in leadership roles that offer me insight into current trends while also applying knowledge from my teaching and scholarship to the demands of educating teachers for the 21st century classroom.

Narrative

In all of my work, I aim to be a model teacher, inquisitive scholar, and collaborative partner. I am especially gratified when I can combine these three roles to examine how we can better work with teachers so they can learn how to teach writing. For a richer description of my teaching philosophy and how I carry that ethos into my scholarship and service, please review my full narrative.

Materials Summary

Finally, for a brief overview of the work I have represented throughout this portfolio as it aligns to the English Department's by-laws for reappointment, please view the "Materials Summary" page.