Nathan Schultz Email & Phone Number

I teach. On the first day of class, I often write the word “tree” on the board. “Draw what you see in your mind when you look at these letters.” Students sketch pine trees, trees with classic knot holes, trees with leaves, trees without leaves, apple trees, orange trees, and fully dressed Christmas trees. When they share their pictures, they reveal how diverse the responses to a single word are even in a small class. I then challenge them: “Each of you sees this word in a unique way as represented by your picture. If there is such diversity of images and ideas about a single word, what will happen when we begin looking at entire poems, novels, and articles? If you don’t share what you see with the rest of us, we will never see your ‘tree,’ and our reading will be less complete. However, when you raise your voice and share your perspectives, we will all see more. Make it your work in this class to see more and help the rest of us see more.” This exercise is one way I invite students into a process of understanding texts and exploring ideas using a Socratic approach.As I teach students to identify key passages and ask interpretive questions, discussions are increasingly facilitated by the students. They come to frame and explore their own questions while carefully attending to text. I often remind them, “When you learn to ask YOUR questions, you begin to find YOUR answers.”My current students also find me to be a challenging writing instructor. I believe students best improve as writers if much is expected, and if they are given significant feedback. I critique and push students to better their work. The focus in my courses is on writing in which students develop and support interpretations of literature through argument, evidence, and analysis. I provide opportunities for feedback, including voice comments directly on their drafts. I am gratified that former students report that they were well prepared for college discussion, thinking and writing.

Listed skills include Curriculum Design, Curriculum Development, Teaching, Tutoring, and 16 others.