News and Events
What's Happening in English and Reading
The Past, Present and Future of Banned Books: A Faculty Roundtable
September 26th from 2pm to 3pm
Rockville Campus (map), SW 301
To celebrate Banned Book Week, Montgomery College Faculty will discuss why books have been banned or challenged in the past, why books are being banned or challenged now, and the future of banning and challenging books in America and around the world. Question and Answer Session to follow. This meeting will be in person and over Zoom.
For more information, email Jarvis Slacks at Jarvis.Slacks@MontgomeryCollege.edu
Archive of News and Events
Congratulations to 2023 Full-time Faculty of the Year Awardee, Professor Ellen Olmstead!
It is with immense pleasure that the Montgomery College Outstanding Faculty Awards Committee recommends Professor Ellen Olmstead as Full-Time Professor of the Year. In her 23 years as a full-time faculty member in the English and Reading Department, Professor Olmstead has consistently demonstrated exceptional pedagogical mastery, a strong commitment to professional development, and unwavering support for her students and colleagues. Embodying the spirit of "radical inclusion," her accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom make her an exemplary role model and a deserving candidate for this prestigious award. As Dean Elizabeth Benton writes, “I can think of no one else who embodies professional learning, service, teaching and learning as does Professor Olmstead….I can think of no other faculty member who works harder or cares more deeply and is more deserving of recognition for outstanding achievement than Professor Ellen Olmstead.”
The faculty who have written in support of Professor Olmstead have witnessed her tireless dedication to the success of the institution, faculty, and students. Amidst significant organizational and academic changes, she collaborated effectively with her fellow department chairs to navigate various challenges and ensure the seamless implementation of necessary transformations.
Professor Olmstead's accomplishments as a scholar and teacher have earned her numerous honors and awards, including the Howard University African Studies Program Residency, the Global Humanities Institute Award for the El Salvador Partnership, and grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. These experiences have allowed her to bring fresh ideas and insights to her colleagues and students, enriching their learning experiences.
In addition to her teaching and scholarship, Professor Olmstead is a devoted advocate for inclusivity and serves as the Head Trainer for Safe Zones LBGTQ+ Awareness. By facilitating workshops that raise awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community, she contributes significantly to fostering a more inclusive and accepting college environment.
As a true advocate for Montgomery College students, Professor Olmstead has always been committed to providing access and opportunities for all. She has created speaker series, pioneered the use of open texts, and facilitated study abroad programs with increased scholarship funds. Her focus on serving minoritized populations is evident through her efforts to bring well-qualified faculty from diverse backgrounds, and her leadership in creating and maintaining literature courses that represent different cultures and identities.
As one of her faculty supporters notes, in the words of W.B. Yeats, "Education is
not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire," and Professor Olmstead's teaching
approach reflects this sentiment -- she ignites the passion for learning in her students.
Recognizing that student success is heavily influenced by the quality of their instructors’
teaching, Professor Olmstead has also mentored both full- and part-time faculty by
generously sharing her teaching materials, pedagogical methods, and her vast knowledge
of curriculum design through multiple workshops arranged through ELITE and the English
and Reading department.
Professor Olmstead's passion for community college students, her dedication to the
humanities, and her commitment to marginalized identities make her an outstanding
faculty member deserving of recognition. Her wisdom, energy, and empathy have had
a profound impact on the lives of her students and colleagues, and we are confident
that she is the perfect candidate for the Montgomery College Full-Time Faculty Member
of the Year.
Congratulations to English and Reading Faculty 2023 Outstanding Faculty Awardees!
Constance Farley, Outstanding Full-time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Constance Farley is a dedicated Montgomery College professor, who has been teaching at MC for 27 years. Dr. Farley’s focus in the classroom is fostering a strong educational classroom community that values and respects equity and inclusion for all students. She feels strongly that she needs to meet each student’s academic needs from where they are when they enter her class. Her goal is to imbue each student with knowledge that will build their self-confidence, which in turn helps them believe they each have something important to contribute to the class, the college, and the world. Dr. Farley believes every student can be successful, which is the tenet of a good teacher.
Dr. Farley has held many leadership roles in the department. During COVID, Dr. Farley took over the role of ENGL 101 and ENGL 101+011 coordinator. She has managed to juggle the craziness of this role and has become indispensable to all of the department’s full and part-time faculty who teach ENGL 101 and ENGL 101+011---which is over 50 faulty. Dr. Farley was instrumental in developing an ENGL 101 and 101+011 student orientation session, to help new students entering MC understand what to expect in college composition classes. She was one of three faculty who completed a DL Common Course in ENGL 122 (Mythology) last summer and took the lead on the team responsible for the General Education recertification of the mythology course this winter. Dr. Farley was also on the team that developed the current English Placement for incoming freshmen, and is still on our placement team today.
Dr. Farley exceeds expectations for pedagogy and advancement of Montgomery College’s student success initiatives. Dr. Farley is creative and maintains intellectual curiosity. Most of all, Dr. Farley is a caring, compassionate educator---who is an extraordinary asset to Montgomery College.
Deborah Stuart, Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching
Professor Deborah Stuart earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, Il., and she earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Northwestern University. She has taught English for almost 10 years at Montgomery College. Previously, she tutored SAT/ACT preparation as well as college essays. Prior to her experience here in Maryland, she served as a high school English teacher and summer school principal in Los Gatos, California. She brings expert writing and grammar skills to the MC classroom, as well as a true passion for poetry. Overall, Deborah loves being part of the MC community.
Congratulations to 2021 Full-time Faculty of the Year Awardee, Dr. Mary Robinson!
Dr. Pollard, MC's past president, made the following remarks about Dr. Robinson: "A truly student-focused instructor, Dr. Robinson has been described as having her “heart…centered in the classroom.” Colleagues describe her as a tireless instructor, a motivated collaborator, an innovative peer, and a devoted community member. She brings both depth and breadth to her service and pedagogy at the College, shepherding the redesign and rebirth of the developmental reading program into the very successful integrated English, Reading, and Writing program. Serving for four years as chair of the English and Reading Department, and another four years as chair of the American English Language, Reading, Speech, and World Language Program, Dr. Robinson has led innumerable initiatives toward student success.
In fact, her leadership is so highly valued that she became the Germantown “chair of chairs,” taking on additional responsibility with efficiency and vision. Dr. Robinson’s contributions collegewide have also been extensive, with service on the MC 2025 Strategic Planning Committee and the President’s Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion. She is trained to review literacy courses from all Maryland colleges, universities, and local public school systems under the Maryland Literacy Framework, and has been recognized by the Office of the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools for her distinguished service. For her excellence on so many levels—personal and professional—Dr. Robinson embodies the dedication and vision to which MC faculty aspire."
Congratulations to English and Reading Faculty 2021 Outstanding Faculty Awardees!
Professor Paul Baker began teaching in the English and Reading department at the Germantown campus in 2004. He is innovative, teaching the ENGL 103 course fully online and helping inform the design of the common course. Professor Baker demonstrates excellence in the classroom and compassion toward his students and all students at the College.
Dr. Joseph Couch has been a professor in the English and Reading Department in Takoma Park for 16 years. His teaching philosophy centers around his belief that the activities of reading and writing help us construct meaning from our experiences and challenge us to foster our critical thinking. By projecting his own enthusiasm for his students' work as well as for writing, literature, and research, he demonstrates his dedication to his students as individuals.
Dr. Michael LeBlanc has been a professor of English and Reading at the Takoma Park campus since 2010. Since 2017, Dr. LeBlanc has served as Editor-in-Chief of The Sligo Journal. He is Co-Chair of Faculty Council, and he has worked closely with academic leadership to resolve constituent concerns and solve problems.
Professor Catherine Lutter has been teaching in the English and Reading department since 2014. Professor Lutter incorporates service into her classes such as working with the Free Minds project where students respond to incarcerated individuals’ poetry as part of a prison education unit. Her motto is, "A teacher must always be a learner as well."
Dr. Monica Mische has been with Montgomery College since 2011 as a professor in the English and Reading Department. She personifies teaching excellence in the community college classroom. Her goal is to change or "transform" every student, through education. Dr. Mische feels that education can make every student's life fuller, more meaningful, and more challenging.
November
Students, submit your short fiction, poetry, personal essays, artwork and photography to The Red Jacket, the official, MC-Rockville, student-run literary journal. This year's journal will focus on "Emotions & The Human Condition." Open Submissions from October 1st - December 17th. Send submissions to red.jacket@montgomerycollege.edu. Please include your name, a reachable email address, and chosen theme per work submitted!
April
Open to the entire MC Community (students, staff, professors, and administrators)!
People who write 20 poems in April and submit them to karyn.brown@montgomerycollege.edu will receive a prize! You can submit your poems daily, weekly, or at the end of the
month.
Friday, April 30, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Here are some websites to give you help with:
Different forms of poems:
Feminist poets:
Arab-American poets:
Eco-poets:
Disabled poets:
African-American poets:
LGBTQ+ poets:
Latinx poets:
Asian-American poets:
Native American poets:
Writers Digestnew window
Poetry Foundation - Poetry and Feminismnew window
Arab American poetsnew window
Poetry Foundation - Poetry and the Environmentnew window
Word Gathering Websitenew window
Poetry Foundation - Celebrating Black History Monthnew window
Poetry Foundation - LGBTQ Pride Poemsnew window
Poetry Foundation - U.S. Latinx Voices in Poetrynew window
Poetry Foundation - Asian American Voices in Poetrynew window
Poetry Foundation - Native American Poetry and Culturenew window
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Write a poem about "home". |
2 Read a feminist poem & respond. |
3 Write about dreams. |
||||
| 4 Read a poem by an Arab-American poet & respond. |
5 Write a poem about how you've been affected by the pandemic. |
6 Write a poem about religious or ritual beliefs. |
7 Write about a puzzle - physical, emotional, psychological. |
8 Write a blackout or erasure poem ( maybe using a textbook!) |
9 Read a poem about he environment & respond. |
10 Write about life without art, music, or poetry. |
| 11 Read a poem by a disabled poet & respond. |
12 Write a pantoum (from Malay). |
13 Write about anxiety or fear. |
14 Write about a social or political issue. |
15 Write about Montgomery College |
16 Read a poem by an African-American poet & respond. |
17 Write a shadorma (from Spain). |
| 18 Read a poem by a LGBTQ+ poet & respond. |
19 Write a poem about your hometown. |
20 Write a poem about thankfulness or gratitude. |
21 Write a palindrome or mirror poem. |
22 Write a poem about your favorite food. |
23 Read a poem by a Latinx poet & respond. |
24 Write about being seen and/or heard. |
| 25 Read a poem by an Asian-American poet & respond. |
26 Write a Luc Bat poem (from Vietnam). |
27 Write about what mother, father, parent means to you. |
28 Write a poem titled "The Gift". |
29 Read a poem by a Native American poet & respond. |
30 Write a poem to your childhood self. |
Tuesday, April 6, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Please join us and bring a friend, sibling, or other family member for an hour of
fun virtual games and information about MC and the English & Reading program. Games
will include Kahoots, a scavenger hunt, and Bingo as well as door prizes, game prizes,
and a raffle!
For more information, contact Professor Sharon Anthony at Sharon.anthony@montgomerycollege.edu.
Sunday, April 11, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
RSVP Marianne.Szlyk@montgomerycollege.edu to receive a Zoom link.
What is poetry? What is prose? Can they coexist peacefully and create something beautiful
together?
Please join us to look at, discuss, and write this exciting form that’s trending in
the poetry world (or is that the prose world?)!
Sponsored by the English and Reading Department, Montgomery College and the Paul Peck Humanities Institute.
Come join Professor Brandon Wallace and Dr. Andraé Brown as they explore the role of African American literature and culture.
How has your matriculation in school helped or harmed the shaping of you as a student? Participants are encouraged to write 12-to-15 sentences to address this question; however, speaking and listening will be t primary exchanges.
Friday, 4/30/2021 12:00 - 2:00pm
For more information, please contact: writingcenter.rockville@montgomerycollege.edu
All participants will receive a special gift from the WRLC
The WRLC Rockville Campus is sponsoring an Open Mic. Everyone is welcome to share their original poems or one of their favorite poems.
Friday, April 30th From 2PM - 3PM
For questions, please contact karyn.brown@montgomerycollege.edu
May
Join us as we read and discuss the fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry of some exciting and award winning Asian American authors of this generation. We will read excerpts from various contemporary works, reflect, and discuss our responses to these readings. Discussions will also include topics related to Asian American identity and the importance and impact of representation in literature. Most importantly, we will enjoy the captivating writings of talented authors whose works you may not have read before.
Tuesday, May 4, 2021 from 2:00-3:30 pm
Facilitated by Professor Jennifer Lee, English and Reading faculty
The final session for the Black Diaspora workshop will focus on epistolary essay form, particularly those written by James Aldwin and Ta-Nehisi Coates. Discussion will focus on the relationship between black men and the messages they impart to one another.
Facilitated by Professor Charles Washington
May 5, 2021 from 5:00-6:00 pm
Writing Groups for MC Students - Upcoming 2021 Meeting Dates
Facilitated by Dr. Emma Muñoz Professor at Montgomery College| emma.munoz@montgomerycollege.edu
Conversations will be held mostly in Spanish with some English translations as needed.
Native speakers of Spanish and heritage Spanish speakers are encouraged to attend.
We will be discussing various literary genre (short stories, poems, essays) written
by Latin American authors. Students will be encouraged to share, either verbally,
or in writing, their thoughts and experiences as they relate to the selected readings.
Facilitated by Charles Washington Professor at Montgomery College | charles.washington@montgomerycollege.edu
Students are invited to read, discuss, and write literature of the black diaspora and that reflect the black experience. Students will read a variety of literary works (poetry, prose, and non-fiction) by black writers and engage in discussions on the topics that are covered by these writings. Students will also reflect on these literary works and topics on a personal level and as they relate to current events and society.
Facilitated by Brandon Wallace | brandon.wallace@montgomerycollege.edu and Dr. Andraé Brown | andrae.brown@montgomerycollege.edu Professors at Montgomery College
Come join Professor Brandon Wallace and Dr. Andraé Brown as they explore the role of African American literature and culture!
Sponsored by the Creative Writing Club and the WRLC Rockville
Literary and Arts Anthology by Students with Disabilities - Call for Submissions
- Do you enjoy writing poems, stories, or personal narratives?
- Are you skilled in drawing, painting, sculpture, or cartoons?
- Would you like to craft a memoir but need some help along the way?
If so, please consider participating in this upcoming publication. The submissions deadline is September 30, 2021, but students are encouraged to submit during the spring and summer months.
We welcome work by MC students with a broad range of disabilities: physical, emotional, mental, learning, or sensory impairments of any kind or degree. While writers and artists certainly may craft pieces expressing their experiences of living with a disability, this is not required. Submissions may be about any topic!
Writing submissions may take two forms:
- Finished pieces (requiring minimal editing).
- Pitches (for which students describe an idea for an essay or memoir and, if accepted, work with an editor to develop their piece).
Due to space limitations, not all submissions may be accepted. Students are welcome to submit multiple pieces for consideration!
For more information, please contact Litartsanthology@montgomerycollege.edu