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About Me
Research Interests: Contemporary women’s literature; adult writing instruction; writing in the disciplines; writing across the curriculum
Social Change Interests: Parental leave expansion in the U.S.; affordable quality childcare for working families
Joined Walden: 2010
Location: Georgia
About Sarah: I have been tutoring and teaching student writers since 2002, as an undergraduate tutor, a graduate writing center fellow, a professional writing consultant, a classroom instructor, and, most recently, as an associate director of Walden’s Writing Center. I have an MA and PhD in Women’s Studies from Emory University in Atlanta, where I also earned a dual specialization in English Literature. Throughout my teaching and tutoring experiences, I have had the opportunity to work with both undergraduate and graduate writers across a range of different academic disciplines and skill levels. These experiences have cemented my passion for helping writers to find the skills and confidence necessary to express their own unique scholarly voice. Now, almost 20 years after my start in the field, I feel lucky to continue to work with student writers. I truly enjoy helping Walden students to grow as writers and social change agents. When I am not in the classroom, I spend my free time trying to keep up with my two young boys who keep me on my toes.
Highlights
Prince, S., Willard, R., Zamarripa, E., & Sharkey-Smith, M. (2018). Peripheral (re)visions: Moving online writing centers from margin to center. WLN: A Journal of Writing Center Scholarship, 42(5-6). 10-17.
Co-founder of Online Writing Centers Community, a virtual community designed to bring together tutors, consultants, professionals, and administrators from writing and learning centers to establish online writing support as a professional area of study.
Workshops Taught
My Advice to Walden Students
My advice to students is to avoid thinking of themselves as “bad” or “good” writers; instead, I encourage each student to see writing as a set of skills
they should continue to practice to gain confidence and fluency. Just like learning long division or running a race,
academic writing is a skill set that takes continued time and practice.
My Role as a Teacher
Why I enjoy teaching at Walden:
I enjoy teaching at Walden because I get to see a range of writers who are addressing important topics across various academic disciplines. I really enjoy learning more about each student’s writing strengths and weaknesses and helping each writer find their academic voice.
What can students expect from me:
For me, teaching writing has always been a passion. Students can expect to see that passion in the classroom. I will always approach their writing with an open but critical mind, providing each student with engaged, detail-oriented feedback to help them progress as academic writers.