Profile - Kathryn Kysar
Instructor Profile
Meet Kathryn Kysar
Instructor of English
Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing in Poetry, Wichita State University; Bachelors of Arts (BA) in English and Anthropology (minor in Sociology), Hamline University; Post-degree coursework at University of Pennsylvania, University of Minnesota, and Bemidji State University
Question and Answer
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Question
What is your approach to teaching?
Answer
I love empowering my students to express their thoughts and feelings in writing and discover new worlds and ideas through literature.
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Question
Would you list some recent accomplishments?
Answer
Prof. Kysar is the recipient of a 2024 Minnesota State Arts Board Individual Artist Grant for creative nonfiction. Her writing has recently been published in Hayden's Ferry Review, The Healing Muse, Literary Mama, Pinyon, Sequestrum, Tributaries, and literary magazines and the anthology In the Tempered Darkness: Poets Transcending Elegy. She has served on panels at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs and NonfictioNow conferences, and her poetry has been featured in art exhibits with colleague Laura Migliorino.
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Question
What inspires you as a teacher?
Answer
I am inspired by good books, the joy of the writing process, and the "aha!" moment when a concept becomes clear for students. I enjoy helping students shape their futures by exploring artistic and vocational career options.
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Question
What makes your curriculum interesting or valuable to students?
Answer
Students enjoy experiential learning, so my classes explore ideas with films, guest speakers, and field trips as well as books and discussion. My classes often take a global perspective of contemporary topics and literatures.
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Question
What are some ways that you help students succeed when they need extra help?
Answer
I work one-on-one with students in my office brainstorming ideas, reviewing their writing, and editing for clarify and correctness. I am available via phone, email, and Skype to ensure that my online students receive the same support. We make use of our wonderful writing centers too.
Fun Facts
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Fun Fact #1
I love hiking in the woods of northern Minnesota.
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Fun Fact #2
I once took the Trans-Siberian railway from Beijing to Moscow.
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Fun Fact #3
I have worked at schools in China, Denmark, and Tanzania.
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Meet Joshua Chase
Joshua ChaseArts & CommunicationCreative Writing
"The teachers are, hands down, the best part of Anoka-Ramsey. I’ve always read a lot, but while at Anoka-Ramsey, I had teachers who gave me entirely new perspectives on the writers and works I was already interested in. I always knew I liked certain authors, but couldn’t really put my finger on why. After my time at Anoka-Ramsey, I had a much better understanding.
I spent a lot of time in the advising office. Having transferred many of my credits from a community college in Nevada, I wasn’t really sure how to proceed in a new state with different graduation requirements." -
Meet Jamie Haddox
Jamie HaddoxArts & CommunicationAA Creative Writing Emphasis
"Having taken creative writing classes at Anoka- Ramsey, I can honestly say that talent alone isn’t enough, no matter how talented. There’s so much I didn’t know. I’ve also learned that part of writing is having a network. You’ll never meet half the people you should without going to school."
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Meet Javier Abrica
Javier AbricaMnTCAssociate in Arts
"When I walked through the doors here, I knew this was the place to get started. I’ve enjoyed it here ever since. Being Hispanic I appreciate the diversity at Anoka-Ramsey. I have met people from all over the world. It’s fun to have them share their cultures with me, and to see they have the same interests as I do."