Loren Stephenson
Indiana,PA
Summary
Analytical English Professor with outstanding analysis, critical thinking and writing skills. Friendly and personable with skill to stay organized and on top of important deadlines. Strong philosophy of classical teaching and knowledge of various methods to excite students about literature, language and communications.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Professor of English
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2022 - Current
- Utilized innovative instructional strategies to actively engage students in the learning process and promote academic excellence.
- Organized guest speaker events to expose students to diverse perspectives and experiences within the study of English literature.
- Evaluated students' abilities and grasp of English language, keeping appropriate records and preparing progress reports.
- Taught English language to [Type] students in [Type] setting.
- Evaluated and graded students' essays, projects and exams.
- Provided grades and progress reports to evaluate student learning needs.
- Presented guest lectures at conferences and other events.
- Established a safe and welcoming classroom environment that promoted intellectual curiosity, open dialogue, and mutual respect among all participants.
- Reviewed and selected appropriate texts for course syllabi that aligned with established learning objectives.
- Developed lesson plans and adapted curriculum to meet individual needs of students
- Incorporated current events into lesson plans to promote student engagement.
- Fostered positive relationships with colleagues through open communication channels and collaborative efforts on various projects.
- Assessed student progress regularly via exams, papers, and presentations, providing constructive feedback to guide improvement.
- Expanded student understanding of texts by spearheading in-depth discussions and assigning exploratory essays to help students articulate knowledge.
- Designed and developed instructional activities using data from student learning style assessments.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, participation, assessments, and grades using digital platforms for easy access by both students and administrators.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on pedagogical trends within the field of English education.
- Led classroom discussions to encourage students to analyze literature critically.
English Instructor
Butler County Community College
01.2018 - Current
- Encouraged participation by maintaining positive attitude and proactively engaging students in activities and lessons.
- Engaged in departmental committees to develop and review policies.
- Created and administered interactive activities for students.
- Established and maintained student behavioral standards to achieve functional learning environment.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment by fostering open communication, mutual respect, and active listening skills among students.
- Presented guest lectures at conferences and other events.
- Developed student comprehension by incorporating visual aids, multimedia presentations, and group activities.
- Employed diverse teaching approaches to help students of all abilities understand material.
- Immersed students in unfamiliar cultures by devising hands-on activities.
English Instructor
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Engaged in departmental committees to develop and review policies.
- Created and administered interactive activities for students.
- Encouraged participation by maintaining positive attitude and proactively engaging students in activities and lessons.
- Facilitated group discussions to explore works of literature.
- Selected and prepared educational resources, taking account of students' interests and cultural backgrounds.
- Presented guest lectures at conferences and other events.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment by fostering open communication, mutual respect, and active listening skills among students.
- Developed student comprehension by incorporating visual aids, multimedia presentations, and group activities.
- Employed diverse teaching approaches to help students of all abilities understand material.
- Delivered lectures on literary topics to community groups.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects that enriched the overall educational experience for students.
- Used effective teaching techniques and learning strategies in translating lesson plans into productive student learning experiences
- Played an active role in curriculum planning meetings with fellow teachers to ensure alignment between English courses throughout grade levels.
- Developed and implemented course materials, lecture notes and assignments.
- Participated in professional development workshops focused on pedagogical strategies for engaging learners from diverse backgrounds.
- Assisted with student organization events to promote student engagement.
- Developed online resources to supplement traditional course materials.
- Adapted lesson plans to accommodate different learning styles and abilities within the classroom setting for optimal comprehension of material covered.
- Increased student participation in class discussions by creating thought-provoking prompts and encouraging diverse perspectives.
- Promoted skill development in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through various instructional methods tailored to individual needs.
- Evaluated and graded students' essays, projects and exams.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design and maintain curriculum.
- Conducted book reviews and wrote articles for literary magazines.
- Designed and developed instructional activities using data from student learning style assessments.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - English: Literature & Criticism
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Master of Education - English Language Arts
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - English, Literature
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
PA Teaching Certification - English Language Arts, Secondary Education
Skills
- Academic Writing
- Professional Networking
- Creative Writing
- Teaching strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Language instruction
- Online Teaching
- Assignment preparation
- Examination administration
- Modern classroom technology
- Lecture preparation
- Inclusive Teaching
- Student Engagement
- Literary Analysis
- Classroom Management
- Instructional planning
- Creative Thinking
Classes Taught
- BRDG 101, Writing & Analysis, 2022, Present
- COMM 201, Speech, 2018, Present
- MUSC 101, Intro. to Music, 2019, Present
- ENGL 101, College Writing, Spring 2018, Spring 2018
- ENGL 102, Research Writing, Spring 2018, Spring 2018
- ENGL 100, Basic Writing, 2019, 2020
- ENGL 202, Research Writing, 2019, 2020
- ENGL 101, Composition I, 2018, 2019
- ENGL 121, Humanities Literature, 2018, 2019
Conference Papers
- Aarhus University, Kingdom of Denmark, 2020, Creative Tastebuds: On Taste and Sustainability. Aarhus University, Kingdom of Denmark, Is Literature Food? A Short Postcritical History of the Nourishment Metaphor
- Pacific Ancient & Modern Language Association, Fall 2019, Is Literature Food? Postcritical History of Literary Metaphor
Invited Talks
- Cook Honors College, Fall 2019, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Daniel Weinstein, Yoga-Based Writing Workshop
- American Protest Literature, Spring 2017, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Gloria Parks
Service To Profession
- PASSHE Virtual Conference on Teaching and Learning, Spring 2022
- IUP Yoga-Based Writing Workshops, Fall 2019
- Graduate Leader for IUP Welcoming Day, Spring 2019
- Assessment Rater: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Spring 2019
- Student Teaching: St. Colmcille’s School, Dublin, Ireland, Fall 2015
- Educational Leadership: International School of Florence, Italy, Spring 2015
- Departmental & University Services, Spring-Fall 2019, IUP Zoom Technology, Northpointe, Punxsutawney
- SRU Graduate Assistant, 2014-2015, College of Education, Dean’s office
- SRU Graduate Assistant, 2014-2015, English Department, Writing Center
Additional Languages
- Beginner to Intermediate- Italian
- French
- Spanish
Professional Memberships Affiliations
- Golden Key Member, 2014-2016
- CAEP Committee, 2014-2015
- NCATE, 2014-2015
Professional References
- Dr. Christopher Kuipers, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dissertation Advisor, c.kuipers@iup.edu, 724.910.9684
- Dr. Gian Pagnucci, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Chairperson for Department of English, pagnucci@iup.edu, 724.357.2261
- Dr. Rosalee Stilwell, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Emeriti, Dissertation Committee Member, itsmerosalee2@icloud.com, 814.246.4909
- Dr. Carmine DeCarlo, Slippery Rock University, Retired Professor of Education, 724.699.4388
- Dr. Jim Preston, Slippery Rock University, Assistant to the Dean, james.preston@sru.edu, 724.738.2293
- Dr. Matthew Ussia, Duquesne University, Director of First Year Writing, ussiam@duq.edu, 412.396.6431
Professional Employment
- Professor of English, Duquesne University, 2022, Present
- English Instructor, Butler County Community College, 2018, Present
- English Instructor, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2018, 2020
Community Service
- Read Across America, Spring 2019
- Certified Yoga Instructor, 2017-2019, Sunflower Yoga Studio, Indiana, PA
- Classical Piano, 15 years of experience
Certification
- Certified PA Secondary Education English Language Arts
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Italian
Limited Working
French
Limited Working
Timeline
Adjunct Professor of English
Duquesne University
08.2022 - Current
English Instructor
Butler County Community College
01.2018 - Current
English Instructor
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
01.2018 - 01.2020
Doctor of Philosophy - English: Literature & Criticism
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Master of Education - English Language Arts
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - English, Literature
Indiana University of Pennsylvania