• NMSU
• English Department
• Faculty
• Jennifer Cervantes

Biography:
I earned my M.A. in Rhetoric and Professional Communication at New Mexico State University where I have taught in the English Department for the last four years. I am privileged to work with the students of NMSU and to work in such a creative field where I can teach professional communication and literature in the same day that I write a chapter for a young adult novel. I am inspired by my three daughters, amazing stories, and real issues concerning kids who need hope and a place to call home.

Teaching Statement:
The teaching of writing is varied and complex. I see my role as more than a writing instructor, but as a mentor and guide, one who helps students see their writing as a process and inspires them to reach beyond their comfort level. I meet my students where they are in the learning process and I develop hand's on and interactive assignments and activities to highlight their strengths, develop their weaknesses, and help them engage with the world in a "new" way.

Courses Commonly Taught:
English 363 Children's and Young Adult Literature
English 218 Technical Communication
English 203 Business and Professional Communication

Departmental Projects:
The New Mexico English Teacher Exchange is a professional development project that strives to improve student preparedness for college, as well as increase student retention.

Creative Interests:
I wrote my first novel, Tortilla Sun, in 2007. Chronicle will publish the book in the spring of 2010. I am currently completing my second novel and ready to give voice to a new set of characters keeping me up at night for another young adult novel.  

Recent Publications:
Tortilla Sun, published by Chronicle/Spring 2010 Young Adult novel