Current as of May 2016

Jessica Rae Morton

jessimorton.weebly.com
jessiraemorton@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Master of Arts in English, Literature Emphasis
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
GPA 4.0/4.0
Bachelor of Arts in English, Literature Emphasis
History Minor
Concord University, Athens, WV
GPA 3.78/4.0

May 2015

May 2011

WORK EXPERIENCE
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
Adjunct Lecturer
August 2015-Present
Served as instructor for classes in the University Writing Program and the English
department, with each class consisting of approximately 15 to 25 students
Delivered lectures and led class discussions
Created assignments, evaluated student work, and provided appropriate feedback
Built and maintained course Moodle and Canvas pages, updating content as necessary
Graduate Teaching Assistant
August 2014-May 2015
Served as instructor of record for three sections of Writing in Academic Contexts (UWRT)
1101, with each section consisting of approximately 22 students
Delivered lectures and led class discussions relating to reflective writing, writing in various
academic settings, and linguistic concepts such as genre and exigency
Emphasized the importance of digital composing and meta-awareness regarding language
and communication
Created assignments, evaluated student work, and provided appropriate feedback
Built and maintained course Moodle pages, updating content as necessary
Contemporary American Fiction Teaching Assistant
August 2014-December 2014
Served as a teaching assistant for Dr. Gwyns ENGL 2202 (Contemporary American Fiction)
Distributed communications to students regarding Moodle page updates, syllabus content,
and attendance
Administered and graded quizzes and exams for over 90 students
Calculated student grades and uploaded results to Moodle system
Writing Resource Center (WRC) Tutor
August 2013-August 2014
Discussed academic, professional, and personal writing with students
Delivered classroom presentations about the WRC, revision strategies, and citation styles
Tutor.com
Online Writing Tutor
June 2014-July 2015
Discussed academic and personal writing with students using a synchronous online tutoring
platform
Provided asynchronous feedback to students through an online tutoring platform
Assisted students in diverse locations with college level writing in terms of argument,
structure, grammar, mechanics, and content

COURSES TAUGHT
Writing and Inquiry in Academic Contexts I (UWRT 1101)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, and Fall 2015
UWRT 1101 is a writing course in which students gain experience with university
level writing by exploring concepts of literacy and identity while developing critical
thinking skills. Students compose in a variety of genres and mediums, and course grades
are derived primarily from end of semester portfolios.
Writing and Inquiry in Academic Contexts II (UWRT 1102)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Spring 2016 and Fall 2016 (scheduled)
UWRT 1102 is a writing course in which students gain experience with research and
inquiry at the university level. Students develop an understanding of various rhetorical
approaches and information literacy. Students compose in a variety of genres and
mediums, and course grades are derived primarily from end of semester portfolios.
Writing and Inquiry in Academic Contexts I & II (UWRT 1103)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Spring 2016
UWRT 1103 is a writing course in which students explore concepts of literacy,
identity, and critical thinking while also gaining experience with research and inquiry at
the university level. During the course students develop critical thinking skills as well as
gaining an understanding of various rhetorical approaches and information literacy.
Students compose in a variety of genres and mediums, and course grades are derived
primarily from end of semester portfolios.
Contemporary American Literature (ENGL 2202)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Fall 2014 (teaching assistant)
ENGL 2202 is a large lecture course intended to introduce intermediate level students
to 21st century American literature. The primary instructor delivered lectures on several
recently published novels and short story collections, while the teaching assistant was
responsible for administering and grading quizzes and exams as well as communicating
with students via Moodle2 and email.
Approaches to Literature (ENGL 3100)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Fall 2015 and Fall 2016 (scheduled)
ENGL 3100 is an introduction to literary theory and critical approaches. Students gain
knowledge about and practice the application of theoretical approaches to literature by
engaging with explanations of theory, primary examples of theory, and literary texts.
Literary texts used have included The Awakening, Hamlet, As I Lay Dying, and a variety
of poetry and short stories.
Liberal Studies: Literature and Culture (LBST 2212)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Summer II 2016 and Fall 2016 (scheduled)
LBST 2212 is a general education course in which students explore the interaction
between literature and the cultures in which that literature is created and read. In these
sections, the primary examples studied were the HBO television series Game of Thrones
alongside the novels that series is based on, George R.R. Martins A Song of Ice and Fire.
Students explored the ways in which these texts reflect and respond to contemporary
American culture. These explorations challenge students to think critically about the texts
that surround them on a daily basis.
RELATED COURSEWORK
Teaching College English
English Composition Practicum

Foundations of Education
Educational Technology

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Activities and Involvement
Shadowed Lucy Steeles Writing and Inquiry in Academic Contexts II (UWRT 1102) during
the spring 2014 semester
Maintained a mentor/mentee relationship with Lucy Steele through Spring 2015, which
involved meeting with her to discuss assignments, syllabi, and classroom issues
Maintained a mentor/mentee relationship with Andy Brown during the Spring 2015 semester,
which involved a classroom observation and meeting to discuss assignments and syllabi
currently in use and to consider possible future changes
Maintained a mentor/mentee relationship with Dr. Tony Jackson during the Fall 2015
semester, with a particular focus on English 3100 for which Dr. Jackson evaluated
assignments and syllabi and met with me to discuss classroom issues and plans
Assisted Dr. Alan Rauch with maintaining webpages for the English Graduate Student
Association and the Childrens Literature Graduate Organization during 2014-2015 year
Created teaching plans for several works of fiction, including At Swim Two Birds by Flann
OBrien, Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov, A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, and
Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh, as part of a directed reading with Dr. Tony Jackson during
Spring 2015 semester
Presentations and Workshops Attended
Safe Zone with Josh Burford, Multicultural Resource Center
Workshop on the concept of error when teaching English Language Learners with Terry
Zawacki, UNC Charlotte University Writing Program
Designing for Transfer of Writing Knowledge and Practices with Jessie L. Moore from
Elon University, UNC Charlotte University Writing Program
Reading is Research with Stephanie Otis, Atkins Library
Models of Blended Courses with Dr. Jaesoon An, Center for Teaching and Learning
Technology in the Active Learning Classroom with Sam Eneman and Kurt Richter, Center
for Teaching and Learning
Starting with a Fresh Canvas and Rebuilding my Moodle in Canvas workshops with Sam
Eneman, Kurt Richter, and Jessica Kapota, Center for Teaching and Learning
Universal Design with Khaleel Eksheir, Center for Teaching and Learning
Preventing Plagiarism with Dr. Coral Wayland, Center for Teaching and Learning
Developing Your Teaching Philosophy with Dr. Judith Krauss, Center for Graduate Life
Publishing in Academic Journals with Dr. Alan Rauch, Center for Graduate Life
PUBLICATIONS
Morton, Jessica. "The Evening Hour." Appalachian Journal 41.3/4 (2014): 362-363. Literary Reference Center
Plus. Web. 10 Jan. 2015.
Morton, Jessica, and Mary-Elizabeth Beth Greene. "Successful Community Writing Conference Sets Tone for
2015 Event." Exchange Online. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 12 Jan. 2015. Web. 12
Jan. 2015. < https://exchange.uncc.edu/successful-community-writing-conference-sets-tone-for-2015event/>.
Morton, Jessi Rae. Matthew Desmond Reveals Americas Housing Disaster in Evicted. Chicago Review of
Books. Chicago Review of Books, 25 Feb. 2016. Web. 5 Apr. 2016.

<http://chireviewofbooks.com/2016/02/25/matthew-desmond-reveals-americas-housing-disaster-inevicted/>.
Morton, Jessi Rae. Forgone Girl: Maestra by L. S. Hilton. Chicago Review of Books. Chicago Review of
Books, 21 Apr. 2016. Web. 27 Apr. 2016. < https://chireviewofbooks.com/2016/04/21/maestra-ls-hiltonreview/>.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
The Gentlemans Voice in A Clockwork Orange: Rhetorical Situations, Linguistic Flexibility, and Transgressive
Literature in the Writing Classroom
University Writing Program Conference
Presented in Charlotte, North Carolina
October 25, 2015
Writer Seeks Readers Willing to Work: Chuck Palahniuks Avant-Garde
South Atlantic Modern Language Association Conference
Presented in Atlanta, Georgia

November 8, 2014

I Did This to Her: Gendering Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining in The Evening Hour
Association of Carolina Emerging Scholars Conference
Presented at University of South Carolina, Union
April 12, 2014
You Didnt Prepare Me for This: Reading Fairy Tales and Parenting in Joe Wrights Hanna
English Graduate Student Association Conference
Presented at University of North Carolina at Greensboro
March 1, 2014
SERVICE
South Atlantic Modern Language Association Conference 2015
Sustaining the Avant-Garde in Literature and the Other Arts Panel
November 2014-Present
Served as Panel Chair
Wrote and distributed Call for Papers
Reviewed submitted abstracts and communicated with accepted panelists
Will serve as moderator for the panel at the 2015 SAMLA Conference
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
UNC Charlotte LGBTQ+ Staff and Faculty Caucus
April 2016
Discussion moderator for panel entitled Technology, Universities, and Organizing in the
Age of Neoliberalism at the Wages, Gender, and Fear event hosted by the LGBTQ+ Staff
and Faculty Caucus
University Writing Program
September 2014-Present
Excellence in First Year Writing Awards reader, helped determine essay category winners
during 2015-2016 school year
Registration volunteer for first annual conference
Volunteer for second annual conference
Co-wrote review of first annual conference (listed above)
English Graduate Student Association
August 2014-May 2015
Served as Vice President
Organized annual EGSA Conference collaboratively with other officers
Helped organize two Professional Day events to inform graduate students about the
academic job market and applying to doctoral programs

Maintained webpage information including officer biographies, contact information, and

photos as well as creating and managing information generated by a registration form for the
EGSA conference
Childrens Literature Graduate Organization
August 2014-May 2015
Served as Vice President
Organized and actively participated in Banned Books Week events including a large meet and
greet event which drew over 100 drop-by attendees as well as reading Allen Ginsbergs
famously banned poem Howl in the free speech zone on campus
Assisted with organizing the Graduate Student Etiquette Dinner
Assisted with organizing the CLGO Colloquium in February 2015
New Graduate Student Orientation
August 2014
PanelistLiving in Charlotte
PanelistKeys to Success for MA Students
Faculty Advisory Library Committee
Spring 2015
Provided graduate student perspective during committee meetings
Attended presentations by candidates for Dean of the Library position
Provided feedback on those candidates to the committee
Assisted in recruiting a new graduate student representative to serve on the committee during
the 2015-2016 school year
Graduate Research Symposium Volunteer
Spring 2014 & Spring 2015
Assisted with volunteer, judge, and presenter registration
Moderated panels and timed presentations
Collected judges score sheets
Reviewed abstract submissions and made recommendations for acceptance or rejection
MEMBERSHIPS
Modern Language Association
South Atlantic Modern Language Association
Appalachian Studies Association
UNC Charlotte Childrens Literature Graduate Association
UNC Charlotte English Graduate Student Association

2014-Present
2014-Present
2014-Present
2013-2015
2013-2015

HONORS
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Center for Graduate Lifes Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
Joan L. Neal Scholarship Award
Chancellors List

2015
2014
Fall 2008, Spring 2009

Concord University
Magna cum Laude Graduate
James B. Shrewsbury Jr. Award for Academic Excellence
Deans List
References available upon request.
Teaching Portfolio available at jessimorton.weebly.com.

2011
2011
Fall 2009, Spring 2010,
Fall 2010, Spring 2011