Open to opportunities

Chris Tower

@christower

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Experienced educator with a focus on student-centered learning.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for opportunities that prioritize student engagement and innovative teaching methods.

With over 20 years of experience in teaching composition, literature, and media criticism, I have dedicated my career to fostering a student-centered learning environment. My approach emphasizes guiding and supporting diverse student populations, utilizing innovative instructional modalities, including synchronous and asynchronous online formats. I have successfully implemented labor-based grading pedagogy and multi-cultural course content, ensuring that all students feel valued and engaged in their learning journey.

Throughout my career, I have taken on leadership roles in various committees, such as the DEI Committee and the College Preparation Analysis Committee, where I have advocated for anti-racist and gender-fluid content in the curriculum. My commitment to student success is reflected in my mentoring of students from diverse backgrounds, including extensive work with EFL and ESL learners. I have also presented at numerous conferences, sharing my insights on blogging in instruction and the use of comic books as a vehicle for anti-racism.

In addition to my teaching experience, I have a strong background in project management, having organized large-scale events and collaborated with visual artists to support at-risk students. My academic credentials include multiple degrees from Western Michigan University, and I continue to pursue professional development in the field of education and technology integration.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Online Instructor

Current

Park University-Online

Jan 2011 - Present (14 years 5 months)

Taught Business Communications, Management, Technical Writing, Creative Writing, and English Composition. Utilized e-learning tools and refined student-engagement strategies in online modalities. Emphasized multi-culturalism and diversity in lessons.

Technical Writing Creative Writing English Composition E Learning Curriculum Development Management

Current

Instructor

Current

Lower Columbia College

Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 5 months)

Taught composition sequence and other courses, emphasizing student success through growth mindset and a process-driven method of writing instruction. Contributed to committee work within the Lang & Lit department and college-wide, including the DEI Committee. Mentored students from diverse backgrounds, including EFL and ESL students.

Literature Media Criticism Mentoring Curriculum Development DEI Technical Writing Public Speaking

Current

Freelance Writer

Current

Freelance Journalist and Technical Writer

Jan 2015 - Present (10 years 5 months)

Published articles in local and national newspapers, magazines, trade paperbacks, and research book publications. Provided technical writing services for businesses. Maintained a personal blog since 2015, demonstrating consistent writing and content creation.

Journalism Technical Writing Content Creation Research Editing Copywriting Publishing Digital Media Communication Strategy

Instructor

Concordia University

Jan 2018 - Dec 2020 (2 years 11 months)

Taught composition and Humanities courses, focusing on student-centered approaches. Integrated multi-cultural and diversity-minded course content. Applied process writing approaches in the classroom.

Humanities Process Writing Classroom Management Academic Instruction

Online Composition Instructor

Colorado Technical University-Online

Jan 2009 - Dec 2018 (9 years 11 months)

Exclusively taught composition courses online, utilizing various e-learning platforms. Developed and refined best practices for online student engagement. Applied labor-based grading pedagogy for student success.

Online Composition Instruction E Learning Labor Based Grading

Technical Writing Instructor

Lake Michigan College

Jan 2013 - Dec 2017 (4 years 11 months)

Taught Technical Writing in both on-campus and hybrid modalities. Focused on practical application of writing skills for professional contexts. Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum and student success initiatives.

Technical Writing Hybrid Instruction On Campus Instruction Curriculum Development Academic Instruction Communication Skills

Instructor

University of Phoenix

Jan 1999 - Dec 2017 (18 years 11 months)

Taught Com 156, expository writing, and courses in mythology and media studies on campus and online. Focused on guiding and supporting diverse student populations. Integrated process writing approaches.

Expository Writing Mythology Media Studies On Campus Instruction Process Writing

Instructor

Western Michigan University

Jan 1999 - Dec 2017 (18 years 11 months)

Taught LS1040: Effective College Reading, Media & The Sexes, first-year composition, and various journalism courses. Emphasized student-centered learning and effective communication strategies. Contributed to curriculum development.

College Reading Media Studies First Year Composition Journalism Curriculum Development Academic Instruction Communication Skills

Instructor

Kellogg Community College

Taught composition sequenced courses and Technical Writing. Implemented labor-based grading pedagogy and process writing approaches. Focused on guiding and supporting students of diverse populations.

Technical Writing Labor Based Grading Process Writing Academic Instruction Classroom Management

Instructor

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Taught a wide range of courses including English 098, Freshman Composition I & II, Business Communications, Technical Writing, Interpersonal Communications, Creative Writing, and Fundamentals of Speech. Emphasized practical writing experiences and student success. Mentored students from diverse backgrounds.

English Composition Technical Writing Interpersonal Communication Creative Writing Public Speaking Mentoring Academic Instruction

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Western Michigan University

Coursework for Masters, Computer Science

Completed foundational coursework for entry into a Master's program. Focused on advanced topics relevant to Computer Science.

Western Michigan University

Masters of Literature and Masters of Fine Arts, Literature and Fine Arts

Earned dual Master's degrees in Literature and Fine Arts. Engaged in advanced studies in literary theory, creative writing, and artistic expression.

Kalamazoo College

B.A. in English and Theatre, English and Theatre

Obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in English and Theatre. Specialized in writing and film studies, developing skills in critical analysis and creative expression.