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What do you love about teaching poetry?

I really love introducing students to new ways of understanding how language can be used to create art. Too many people believe a poem is a cryptic puzzle for which there is only one correct answer. But poetry is creative expression used to explore ideas and nuanced emotional and psychological landscapes.  It's a portal into a new world.

What do you remember most from your educational journey and how has that shaped your teaching?

I came to poetry in the sixth grade, when a professional figure skater came to my classroom to teach a section on poetry. I remember she wrote poetry about major sporting events, and I can still hear the echo of some of her lines in my head. She made us memorize famous poems, and those poems still knock around and bring me comfort. She taught me poetry wasn't about rules but rather an open expanse waiting for exploration.

What are some memorable projects you’ve had students do and how do they reflect your goals as an educator?

I love that so many of my students come from other majors. They bring a wealth of knowledge into the classroom and into their creative work. I've had students design code for choose-your-own-adventure poems, write poems set to music, and produce video poems and visual poems. Students always expand my idea of where poetry can go.

What one piece of advice would you give your students?

Trust in your instincts as an artist. There are no rules!