Department of English

"I continue to be so thankful for the education I received when I attended MSU Denver from 2005-2009. As a student, I consistently felt supported and had a number of opportunities to work directly with students, prepare and deliver lessons, and learn what it meant to be a professional with opportunities to attend and present at NCTE, CLAS, and even begin the NCTE student affiliate for NCTE.

Since I was a mid-year grad, I thought it was impossible to earn a teaching position in the middle of the school year, but because of my thoughtful student teaching placement and professors who were willing to advocate for me, I landed my first teaching position (2 weeks BEFORE graduation) at Castle View High School (Castle Rock, CO) where I have been ever since.

During the last 14 years, I've served as English department chair, the director of our student media program, and have taught a number of classes and all types of students and learners. One of my greatest joys is hiring MSU Denver grads and seeing them become professional educators. I've also maintained my relationships with many of my professors and colleagues from undergrad; those connections have proved invaluable over the years. I completed an MA in journalism from Kent State in 2020 and have since transitioned to the role of Professional Learning Specialist in my building and am now responsible for induction for new teachers, coaching support for all teachers, and building-wide professional development in addition to my now part-time teaching duties.

It was my start at MSU Denver, my instructors, who believed in me, and the truly excellent education I received that prepared me to be the professional career educator that I am today."

Jessica Hunziker, MJE

Professional Learning Specialist Castle View High School

MSU Denver is a nurturer of success - I'm 6 years into my education career and still lean on what I learned at Metro in my daily teaching and instructional coaching. I'll be forever grateful for what MSU Denver's Ed department equipped me with!

Hope Morgan, Literacy Teacher & Instructional Coach Westminster High School

“I’ve had wonderful professors who’ve inspired me to continue my studies and really get the best out of my education.”

Janet Hernandez, MSU Denver, '17, English B.A.

First student Fulbright in MSU Denver's school history

“Our faculty firmly believe in an open door policy for students. It means a lot for us to create an approachable, welcoming environment for our students – after all, they are the reason we’re here."

Rebecca Gorman O’Neill

Professor of English

My name is Anahi Quintana, and I currently work at Broomfield Heights Middle School in Boulder Valley School District. This is my third year teaching. I teach 6th grade language arts.

The English Ed concentration at Metropolitan State University of Denver played a crucial role in preparing me because it paved a way for me to be successful in the teaching world. First, the English education program at MSU prepared me to understand the content I would have to teach. I remember taking a ‘teaching literature class 6-12 grade’, ‘teaching writing class 6-12’, and 'teaching English capstone'. The books that I bought while I had those classes I still use to this day. In fact, some of the lessons that I created in these classes, with a few adjustments, are a part of my curriculum today. In addition, the lesson template that the professors shared with us, I still incorporate them in my curriculum. It is such a strong resource, and whenever I collaborate with my colleagues, I use that template because it makes directions very clear.

I had the best mentors, too. Dr. Adams, Dr. Deakins, and Dr. Eastman were one of a kind professors. They taught with such passion and love. In my first year of teaching I received an award from my district called Imogene Maxon Early Educator Award. This was a clear testament of how amazing the English Ed concentration at MSU Denver is.

Anahi Quintana, Sixth Grade Language Arts Teacher at Broomfield Heights Middle School in Boulder, Colorado.