Professor Andrew Smith, PhD, English Department

Degree and from where it was received:
BA, Virginia Tech, 1988
MA, West Chester University, 1992
PhD, University of Missouri, 1997

Courses you teach:
* Creative Writing
* Writing the Story of Your Family
Modern Poetry
Advanced Composition
* Writing in the Professions
* Technical Writing
Language and Literature I
* Language and Literature II
Developmental Reading and Writing

* offered in an online format, in addition to a traditional classroom setting

Accomplishments (personal or professional):
-Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA), University of    Cambridge, summer 2006
-Panelist/Reviewer, US Studies in Literature Peer Review Committee,    Fulbright Senior Specialists Program, The Council for the International    Exchange of Scholars
-Agent and Editor Manuscript Reviews, San Diego State University Writers'    Conference, San Diego, CA, Winter 2004
-Presenter, "Brick or Click: Self-censorship and Conversations in the    Classroom," Sixth Annual Massachusetts Community Colleges    Conference on Teaching and Learning, Spring 2002
-Poetry Reading, Messiah College, Grantham, PA, Spring 2001
-Poetry Reading, Irvine Valley College, Irvine, CA, Fall 2000
-Creative Nonfiction Reading, Irvine Valley College, Irvine, CA, Fall 1999
-Multiple publications in several genres: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, news    writing, and translation

Favorite thing about teaching:
My most rewarding experiences have been in working with non-traditional students: those who are coming to school for the first time or returning, after rearing families and starting careers. Adult learners are determined, focused, and mature students, who set high goals and expectations for themselves and for their professors. They make me a better teacher.

Memorable moment at HCC:
I have many fond recollections. Memorable moments are created through positive interaction with others. Acts of civility and respect for each other in the classroom are always cherished, much like a rare perfume. I have been gratified to learn that a number of my former students have been awarded full scholarships at Smith and Mount Holyoke colleges. Finally, of particular note are the supportive and caring colleagues who make HCC a vital, essential place of hope in an increasingly troubled, deeply divided world.

Teaching philosophy:
A student is in our midst for only a short while, but our efforts as dedicated teachers can have a lasting influence. To complement my primary goals of ensuring an understanding of the principles in our discipline and the development of critical skills, communication ability, analysis, and effective collaboration, I try to manifest an attitude of extended commitment in three additional ways:

• Welcome the chance to teach a variety of courses and experiment with instructional approaches, including fostering experiential learning, harnessing the computer-integrated classroom, and facilitating distance-learning courses through the web.
• Treat students with professionalism and expect them to exhibit professional behavior.

Pursue initiatives to improve students' educational experiences, and provide strong formal and informal advisement, including writing letters of recommendation and offering ongoing support and encouragement, well after students have matriculated out of my classes.

Meet the Faculty