Welcome!
I have been working in education since 2009, primarily as a teacher of English and remedial reading, but also as a curriculum developer and in literacy and in leadership capacities. I have a B.A. in English Teaching from Brigham Young University, and a M.A. in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. ESL endorsed. Connect with me via the social media links below; also see below for my CV.
Class Website: sorensenenglish.com
Whitney Sorensen Curriculum Vitae
Scholarly Interests
The Teaching and Learning of Literature
The Teaching and Learning of Composition
The Disciplinary History and Practice of English Education
Postmodern Literature
Education
Master of Arts in English Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, NY (2018). Thesis: Honoring the Aesthetic Experience of Literature: How Secondary Students Describe Experiences of and Respond to Literary Texts
Bachelor of Arts in English Teaching, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT (2010).
Grants & Honors
Office of Research and Creative Activities Research Grant Recipient, Brigham Young University, 2010.
A. John Clarke Fellowship, Brigham Young University, McKay School of Education, 2008-2010.
Employment and Experience
English and Advanced Placement English Language & Composition Teacher, Fremont High School, Plain City, UT. 2018- present
English Language Arts Teacher, Highland High School, Salt Lake City School District, Salt Lake City, UT. 2016-2018.
Remedial Reading Teacher, Midvale Middle School, Canyons School District, Sandy, UT. 2015-2016.
English, Remedial Reading, & Journalism Teacher. Butler Middle School, Canyons School District, Cottonwood Heights, UT. 2010-2012.
Publications
Sorensen, W. (2013). “The Effectiveness of Reading Strategies in a Secondary English Classroom.” Journal of Undergraduate Research. Brigham Young University.
Presentations
2019 Evaluating the Use of Technology in Effective Instruction. BrainBlast Conference, Weber School District
2019 Teaching a Novel Unit: Richard Wright’s Native Son. Weber School District
2018 Poetry & Inquiry. Highland High School, Salt Lake City School District
2017 Teaching Argument Writing. Highland High School, Salt Lake City School District
2012 High Yielding Strategies for Secondary Literacy Practices. HYPE Conference, Canyons School District
2011 Structure of a Secondary Reading and Literature Classroom, Literacy Academy of Canyons School District
Professional Affiliations
National Council of Teachers of English, 2009-present.
Central Utah Writing Project, 2009-present.
