The Jiménez-Porter Writers’ House is a unique Living and Learning Program that offers students at the University of Maryland a literary center for the study of creative writing across cultures and languages.

The University of Maryland's Writing Program has been recognized by the Maryland State Department of Higher Education as one of Maryland's "Most Innovative Educational Programs."

Electronic Media & Film DepartmentEMF120: Concept & Story Development EMF377: Film WritingEMF387: Developing the TV Pilot

CREATIVE WRITING INSTRUCTOR | Courses: Introduction to Creative Writing, Fiction Writing I and Fiction Writing II. Course Description: To provide introductory, intermediate and advanced level writing students with a variety of techniques and forms at use in classic, contemporary and genre fiction by a combination of intense reading and focused writing assignments. Students learn to read closely for what an individual work of fiction can teach about craft and style, and are asked to put that… Show more CREATIVE WRITING INSTRUCTOR | Courses: Introduction to Creative Writing, Fiction Writing I and Fiction Writing II. Course Description: To provide introductory, intermediate and advanced level writing students with a variety of techniques and forms at use in classic, contemporary and genre fiction by a combination of intense reading and focused writing assignments. Students learn to read closely for what an individual work of fiction can teach about craft and style, and are asked to put that learning to practice in short fiction of their own. Class time is spent discussing both the assigned readings as well as workshopping student work, with an emphasis not on judging the success or failure of a work but instead on whether or not any given technique is as effective as possible. Students are also encouraged to work with revision, reflection, and rewriting techniques to complete and polish their short fiction. In addition to critical reading and workshopping, each of these courses provides a diverse series of informative lectures, focusing on the fundamentals of craft, literary process and the successful application to one’s own work. Show less

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS | Executive at a nationwide promotional staffing company with extensive experience motivating employees and clients through General Management, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Human Resources and Business Development. Improved efficiency and productivity in office management. Developed an online marketing campaign and social media formats, highlighting company services and raising brand awareness through weekly product, brand and event feeds. Responsible for… Show more VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS | Executive at a nationwide promotional staffing company with extensive experience motivating employees and clients through General Management, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Human Resources and Business Development. Improved efficiency and productivity in office management. Developed an online marketing campaign and social media formats, highlighting company services and raising brand awareness through weekly product, brand and event feeds. Responsible for interviewing, hiring, and training all employees. Planned, assigned and directed workload; appraised individual job performance; addressed complaints and resolved client issues. Supported the CEO in all aspects of company growth, specifically through strategic and operational planning, guidance and by ensuring that required infrastructure and support services are in place. Developed the company’s first ever educational Internship Program for course credit. Managed the accounting department—preparing journal entries, balance sheets, profit & loss statements, AR Aging reports and general ledger operations; administering bank reconciliations, payroll administration, accounts receivable and accounts payable. Show less

ACCOUNT MANAGER | Provided outstanding customer service to clients with an extensive database of over 75,000 experienced, professional staffers throughout the country, interested in working events. Standardized a straightforward staffing process with a professional, corporate mentality and approach. Sourced reliable staff to work clients’ nationwide live promotional experiential events. Identified qualified talent to work specific events, or recruited new talent in order to fulfill client's… Show more ACCOUNT MANAGER | Provided outstanding customer service to clients with an extensive database of over 75,000 experienced, professional staffers throughout the country, interested in working events. Standardized a straightforward staffing process with a professional, corporate mentality and approach. Sourced reliable staff to work clients’ nationwide live promotional experiential events. Identified qualified talent to work specific events, or recruited new talent in order to fulfill client's staffing needs. Responsible for daily interaction with clients and talent, coordinating event information between both parties. Show less

FICTION SUBMISSIONS READER | Read and wrote summary responses to assigned submitted manuscripts and participated in selecting works to be published, making manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher. Developed story and content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal on a monthly basis. Read, evaluated and edited manuscripts and conferred with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization. Assisted editors with planning the content and editorial… Show more FICTION SUBMISSIONS READER | Read and wrote summary responses to assigned submitted manuscripts and participated in selecting works to be published, making manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher. Developed story and content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal on a monthly basis. Read, evaluated and edited manuscripts and conferred with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization. Assisted editors with planning the content and editorial direction of the magazine, in accordance with editorial policy. Read editorial copy proofs to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax. Prepared, rewrote and edited copy to improve readability. Verified facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources. Show less

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR | Designed and delivered appropriate curriculum and lessons, keeping in mind students’ levels and goals. Directed classroom activities and maintained proper decorum in class. Developed and produced both educational and enjoyable teaching materials. Adhered to state laws and policies when evaluating student performance and progress.

ASSISTANT TEACHER & MUSIC TEACHER | Assisted the head teacher in classroom management, providing the children with an appropriate Montessori “prepared environment”. Taught small group lessons, facilitating the Montessori teaching method and learning process for each child. Developed and executed interactive music curriculum for children from ages three through twelve, including live instrumentation. Guided students through self-directed activities, allowing them to develop and learn at an… Show more ASSISTANT TEACHER & MUSIC TEACHER | Assisted the head teacher in classroom management, providing the children with an appropriate Montessori “prepared environment”. Taught small group lessons, facilitating the Montessori teaching method and learning process for each child. Developed and executed interactive music curriculum for children from ages three through twelve, including live instrumentation. Guided students through self-directed activities, allowing them to develop and learn at an independent speed. Fostered a nurturing and stimulating non-competitive environment by encouraging individual work time and promoted independence as well as group work to promote socialization. Established and maintained cooperative working relationships with children, parents and co-workers. Participated in all open houses and school programs. Show less