Meet Cecilia Herles

Assistant Director of the Institute for Women’s Studies

Undergraduate Student Advisor

When did you start teaching in the WIP?

I began teaching WIP courses in 2007.

What WIP courses are you teaching/have you taught?

I regularly teach an upper-level course, WMST 4010W Feminist Theory, and it is required for the major or minor in Women’s Studies.

Why did you join the WIP?

I joined WIP because I believe it’s one of the most valuable tools for teaching and learning at UGA. I see writing as a process, and I appreciate how the mission of WIP encourages undergraduates and faculty to embrace this process.

What have you learned from your experiences as WIP faculty?

My understanding of writing and teaching has been transformed by being part of WIP over the last fifteen years. WIP helps me to create a space of community learning, and it equips me with ideas and pedagogical strategies for teaching ways of knowing in Women’s Studies. WIP is a valuable resource for students and faculty. It supports students in forming connections with each other, strengthening communication skills, and instilling confidence in seeing themselves as writers. For example, WIP encourages students to work towards publishing their work in The Classic journal. WIP supports faculty in many ways including sharing resources and sharing ideas, and I’m inspired by what I learn at the workshops.

What is your WIP teaching philosophy?

My WIP teaching philosophy is rooted in providing the space for students to find their sense of voice in their writing and to effectively articulate their stances. I value writing as an important part of a feminist tool kit.

How do you put that philosophy into practice in the classroom?

I provide low stakes writing assignments that ask students to take a stance about the reading and to support it. I hope they build on these low stakes assignments to find their sense of voice and develop, revise, and edit a final paper throughout the semester.

What are your biggest challenges you face as a WIP teacher/in your WIP courses?

Some students face anxiety about writing, so this is one of the biggest challenges as they are asked to frequently write in this course.

How do you address those challenges?

I hope to address anxiety about writing through several strategies such as discussing writing as a process and doing guided peer reviews. I have greatly enjoyed the Public Writing Initiative. Students have learned strategies for writing from these visitors, and personally I have been inspired by understanding their writing process.

What do you hope students take away from your WIP courses?

In my WIP courses, I encourage students to develop their own sense of voice in their writing, and I hope they appreciate the valuable support and encouragement they receive from the WIP coaches.

Why is it important that students write in your class?

Although we have lively and engaged verbal discussions, it’s important for students to convey their thoughts on the page because it illustrates that their ideas matter and their thoughts belong in these spaces.