Originally from Romania, Ana Wetzl, Ph.D., taught herself English at 17 years old. Today, she is an associate professor of English at Kent State University at Trumbull with expertise in Applied Linguistics and Composition Studies. Wetzl has earned a 2021 Outstanding Teaching Award for her research, inclusivity, encouragement and above and beyond teaching abilities.
“It's humbling to receive this award because I know that there are colleagues of mine who are just outstanding teachers,” Wetzl said. “We have amazing teachers at Trumbull and the fact that the students were kind enough to nominate me is a big deal to me.”
Her research has been published in Computers and Composition, Research in the Teaching of Writing, Composition Forum and Praxis. In 2018, her teaching was recognized by Kent State with the Undeniably Accessible Award.
She is involved with diversity initiatives on campus and is the advisor for the English Club, a student organization whose mission is to promote literacy on campus and beyond.
Wetzl uses her position as advisor of the English Club at the Trumbull campus to actively try to connect her students with the surrounding community. Before her role as advisor, she encouraged students in her courses to participate in activities with the community, as well.
“Last year with the club, we had a book drive and collected and donated used books to a shelter for domestic violence victims,” she said. “I try to foster that connection between my students and the community.” This year, the club is hosting another book drive for Someplace Safe, a domestic violence shelter in Warren, Ohio.
Before advising the club, Wetzl created a program with the local public library called “Book Buddies,” with help from volunteer students from courses she taught. The students would read books to children from the community. The program was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
Aside from encouraging her students to help the community, Wetzl encourages them to excel in their studies. Knowing how far she has come in her career, her story is motivating.
“I tell my students, I learned English when I was 17. If I was able to transform myself as a writer, from someone who could not write at all, to someone who writes academic papers, you can do it, too,” Wetzl said. “It’s very rewarding to see a student who goes from being intimidated by a task to seeing them gain that confidence and become powerful writers.”
The Outstanding Teaching Award selection committee selected three winners of the 2020 Outstanding Teaching Award and three winners of the 2021 Outstanding Teaching Award. The awards were presented to recipients on October 22, 2021.
To learn more about the Outstanding Teaching Awards, visit www.kent.edu/ehhs/outstanding-teaching-award.