Wendy Williams
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Mail code: 2780Campus: Poly
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Dr. Wendy R. Williams is Associate Professor of English Education and Narrative Studies in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (CISA) at Arizona State University. Her research examines creative expression, with particular emphasis on visual and multimodal storytelling, writing communities, and mentoring. She is the author of Listen to the Poet: Writing, Performance, and Community in Youth Spoken Word Poetry (University of Massachusetts Press, 2018) and Mentoring Youth Writers: Six Strategies to Bring out the Author in Every Student (National Council of Teachers of English Press, 2025), both of which are grounded in case study research conducted with writing communities in Arizona. She is currently completing a third book that investigates visual storytelling across animation, film, and other media. In addition, she is serving as guest editor of the November 2026 special issue of English Journal on “Food Studies in English Language Arts” in collaboration with ASU doctoral students Adriana Diaz-Heppler and Emily Niska.
As a core faculty member in CISA’s programs in Narrative Studies (M.A.) and English (B.A.), Professor Williams mentors graduate students, engages in curriculum development, and maintains a diverse teaching portfolio. She has established two new programs in CISA, the undergraduate Writing Certificate and the graduate Narrative Studies Certificate, and she has developed and taught innovative courses on narrative and arts-based research, visual narratives, Studio Ghibli films, Stranger Things, children’s literature, food writing, and mentoring youth writers. Dr. Williams has also taught ASU’s young adult literature and English education methods courses and supervised student teachers. Prior to entering higher education, she taught middle and high school English for nine years.
Her professional leadership has included service as Editor of the Teaching Creative Writing Column for English Journal, Co-Chair of the English Language Arts Teacher Educators (ELATE) Commission on Arts and Literacies, Chair of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Achievement Awards in Writing Advisory Committee, and reviewer for numerous scholarly journals and academic presses, including Research in the Teaching of English and Bloomsbury’s British Film Institute (BFI) Film Classics series. At ASU, she has held leadership roles as Co-Chair of the university’s Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee (CAPC), member of the university’s Grievance Committee, Chair of CISA’s Awards Committee, and member of the School of Applied Sciences and Arts Academic Program Review Committee. She has also made substantial contributions to faculty review and mentoring.
Professor Williams is strongly committed to community-engaged humanities work. She founded several signature ASU outreach initiatives, including the Young Authors’ Studio program, the Sparky Slam, the Narrative Studies Symposium, and Humanities Dialogues @Poly. In addition, she organized conferences for local teachers as Executive Board Member of the Arizona English Teachers Association. Dr. Williams’s teaching and community literacy initiatives have been supported with stipends and grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Southern Poverty Law Center, Arizona Humanities, and Wells Fargo. She has also received awards and honors, including the National Technology Leadership Initiative Fellowship Award for English Language Arts Teacher Educators, the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts Innovation Award, the Arizona English Teachers Association Community Literacy Award, and the ASU Multicultural Communities of Excellence Faculty of Excellence Award.
Outside the university, Dr. Williams is a classically trained chef, a certified Maricopa County Master Gardener, and an amateur cellist.
- Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction: English Education, Arizona State University, 2015
- M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction: English Education, Arizona State University, 2008
- B.A.E., Secondary Education: English, Summa cum laude, Arizona State University, 1998
- A.O.S., Culinary Arts, with Honors, Scottsdale Culinary Institute (Le Cordon Bleu), 2001
- Master Gardener Certification, University of Arizona, 2023
- NEH Summer Institute, Japanese Culture and Values, San José State University, 2006
- Summer Study Abroad, English, St. Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge (UK), 1998
BOOKS (MONOGRAPHS)
In Progress
Williams, W. R. (data collected, writing in progress). The World of Visual Storytelling: Working with Narratives in Print and in Motion.
Published
2 Williams, W. R. (2025). Mentoring Youth Writers: Six Strategies to Bring out the Author in Every Student. National Council of Teachers of English Press.
1 Williams, W. R. (2018). Listen to the Poet: Writing, Performance, and Community in Youth Spoken Word Poetry. University of Massachusetts Press.
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SPECIAL ISSUE
In Progress
Williams, W. R. [lead guest editor], Diaz-Heppler, A., & Niska, E. [ASU doctoral students], Eds. (Nov. 2026). Issue Theme: “Food Studies in English Language Arts.” English Journal.
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ARTICLES AND CHAPTERS
Accepted and Forthcoming
21 Williams, W. R. (scheduled for publication in 2027). “Being Bold Enough to Take the Risks that Matter: A Case Study of the Young Authors' Studio Program." In K. Covino & J. Bell (Eds.), Teaching English Boldly: Transformative Writing and Discourse for Inquiry and Agency. Bloomsbury.
20 Williams, W. R. [lead author], Emert, T., Goering, C. Z., Goss, S., Macro, K., Schmidt, P. S., & Zoss, M. (scheduled for publication in 2026). “Discovering Joy through Arts-Based Learning in English Education.” In M. George & M. Shoffner (Eds.), International Perspectives on the Teaching of English to Generate Hope: Inspiration in an Age of Anxiety [IFTE Volume 6]. Routledge.
19 Williams, W. R. [lead author], Diaz-Heppler, A., & Niska, E. [ASU doctoral students]. (scheduled for publication in Nov. 2026). “Food Studies in English Language Arts: A Menu of Possibilities.” English Journal.
Published
18 Williams, W. R. (2026). “Capturing Stories in Motion: Visual Elements as Tools for Analyzing and Composing Animated Narratives.” Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education (CITE English), 26(2).
17 Williams, W. R. (2025). “Talking Back to the Bard through Words, Visuals, Gestures, and Sounds: Multimodal Assignments that Honor Students’ Voices and Cultures.” In L. Turchi (Ed.), Design and Discomfort: Teaching Shakespeare and Race, pp. 295-308. Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (ACMRS) Press.
16 Williams, W. R. (2024). “Seeing the Complexity of Children’s Literature through Critical Lenses and Creative Projects.” The Dragon Lode (a peer-reviewed journal of the International Literacy Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading SIG), 43(1), 42-53.
15 Williams, W. R. (2024). “Using Visual Storytelling to Support Democratic Approaches to Literacy Instruction.” In P. Hartman & J. Spanke (Eds.), Cultivating Democratic Literacy through the Arts: Guiding Preservice Teachers Towards Innovative Learning Spaces in ELA Classrooms, pp. 55-70. Information Age Publishing.
14 Williams, W. R. (2022). "Expanding What Counts as Writing: Animation in English Language Arts." English Journal, 111(6), 78-80.
13 Williams, W. R. (2021). "Reflections on Writing and Teaching: A Study of Five Writing Contest Winners." English Teaching: Practice and Critique, 20(3), 385-397.
12 Williams, W. R. [lead author] & ByBee, K. D. [ASU doctoral student]. (2021). “Visions of the City: Examining Urban Landscapes in Shaun Tan’s Visual Narratives.” In L. Nicosia and J. Nicosia (Eds.), Examining Images of Urban Life: A Resource for Teachers of Young Adult Literature, pp. 151-163. Myers Education Press.
11 Williams, W. R. (2020). “Taking Risks with Form.” English Journal, 110(2), 104-106.
10 Williams, W. R. (2020). “Examining Studio Ghibli’s Animated Films: A Study of Students’ Viewing Paths and Creative Projects.” Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, 63(6), 639-650.
9 Williams, W. R. (2019). “Attending to the Visual Aspects of Visual Storytelling: Using Art and Design Concepts to Interpret and Compose Narratives with Images.” Journal of Visual Literacy, 38(1-2), 66-82.
8 Williams, W. R. (2019). “Exploring the Art of Spoken Word Poetry with Students: A Sample Unit.” In K. Macro and M. Zoss (Eds.), A Symphony of Possibilities: A Handbook for Arts Integration in Secondary English Classrooms, pp. 36-50. National Council of Teachers of English Press.
7 Williams, W. R. (2018). “Attempting Arts Integration: Secondary Teachers’ Experiences with Spoken Word Poetry.” Pedagogies: An International Journal, 13(2), 92-105.
6 Williams, W. R. [lead author] & Blasingame, J. (2017). “Celebrating All Voices: Assuring Diversity in Young Adult Literature.” In J. A. Hayn, J. S. Kaplan, and K. R. Clemmons (Eds.), Teaching Young Adult Literature Today: Insights, Considerations, and Perspectives for the Classroom Teacher, 2nd ed., pp. 223-250. Rowman and Littlefield.
5 Williams, W. R. (2017). “Learning from a Teacher-Machine: Terror and Implanted Knowledge in The Prisoner.” In M. M. Dalton and L. R. Linder (Eds.), Screen Lessons: What We Have Learned from Teachers on Television and in the Movies, pp. 59-66. Peter Lang.
4 Williams, W. R. (2015). “Every Voice Matters: Spoken Word Poetry in and outside of School.” English Journal, 104(4), 77-82.
3 Williams, W. R. (2014). “New Technologies, New Possibilities for the Arts and Multimodality in English Language Arts.” Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education (CITE English), 14(4), 327-355.
2 Williams, W. R. (2014). “Art Does Align with Common Core State Standards.” Language Arts, 92(2), 120.
1 Williams, W. R. (2013). “‘Untold Stories to Tell’: Making Space for the Voices of Youth Songwriters.” Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, 56(5), 369-379.
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EDITORIALS
Published
6 Williams, W. R. [lead author], & Moulton, F. (2023). "The Wonderful World of Manga." YA Wednesday. Invited.
5 Williams, W. R. (2022). “NCTE’s Achievement Awards in Writing Contest for High School Students.” NCTE Blog. Invited.
4 Williams, W. R. (2021). “Amanda Gorman’s Poetry Shows Why Spoken Word Belongs in School.” The Conversation. Invited.
3 Williams, W. R. [lead author], & Reid, S. F. [ASU doctoral student]. (2019). “Young Authors’ Studio: Writing and Learning Together in Arizona.” Literacy Today, 38-39.
2 Williams, W. R. (2018) “Innovation and Artistry in Young Adult Literature.” YA Wednesday. Invited.
1 Williams, W. R. (2013). “What’s Cooking in Your YA Literature Class?” In A. P. Nilsen, et al. (Eds.), Literature for Today’s Young Adults (9th ed.), pp. 378-379. Pearson. Invited.
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FOOD WRITING
Arizona Food and Lifestyles Magazine
33 Williams, W. (Sep. 2004). “Get Squashing,” 24-25.
32 Williams, W. (Jul. 2004). “Celebrate Summer with Cherries and Plums,” 21-22.
31 Williams, W. (Jul. 2004). “Grilling Cowboy Steaks,” 58-59.
30 Williams, W. (May 2004). “Urban Styles: Tempe’s Orchid House,” 34-37.
29 Williams, W. (Mar. 2004). “Four Kitchens and a House,” 38-41.
28 Williams, W. (Sep. 2003). “What’s Cooking at the House of Rice?” 44-47.
27 Williams, W. (Jun. 2003). “What’s in Your Drawers?” 28-30.
26 Williams, W. (Apr. 2003). “Atelier: Workshop for Your Kitchen Dreams,” 24-26.
25 Williams, W. (Feb. 2003). “Bernard C. Chocolates,” 20-21.
Roots and Shoots, Maricopa County Master Gardeners Publication
24 Williams, W. (Dec. 2025). “Cooking with Edible Flowers.”
23 Williams, W. (Nov. 2025). “Cooking with Lavender.”
22 Williams, W. (Oct. 2025). “Cooking with Grapes.”
21 Williams, W. (Sep. 2025). “Cooking with Pomegranates.”
20 Williams, W. (Jun. 2025). “Cooking with Watermelon.”
19 Williams, W. (May 2025). “Cooking with Roselle Hibiscus.”
18 Williams, W. (Apr. 2025). “Cooking with Sesame.”
17 Williams, W. (Mar. 2025). “Cooking with Pumpkins.”
16 Williams, W. (Feb. 2025). “Cooking with Tomatillos.”
15 Williams, W. (Jan. 2025). “Cooking with Cilantro.”
14 Williams, W. (Dec. 2024). “Cooking with Figs.”
13 Williams, W. (Nov. 2024). “Cooking with Fennel.”
12 Williams, W. (Oct. 2024). “Cooking with Parsnips.”
11 Williams, W. (Sep. 2024). “Cooking with Poblanos.”
10 Williams, W. (Jul./Aug. 2024). “Cooking with Tepary Beans.”
9 Williams, W. (Jun. 2024). “Cooking with Yard Long Beans.”
8 Williams, W. (May 2024). “Cooking with Cantaloupe.”
7 Williams, W. (Apr. 2024). “Cooking with Eggplant.”
6 Williams, W. (Mar. 2024). “Cooking with Butternut Squash.”
5 Williams, W. (Feb. 2024). “Cooking with Patty Pan Squash.”
4 Williams, W. (Jan. 2024). “Cooking with Arugula.”
3 Williams, W. (Dec. 2023). “Cooking with Thyme.”
2 Williams, W. (Nov. 2023). “Cooking with Dill.”
1 Williams, W. (Oct. 2023). “Cooking with Parsley.”
Courses
2026 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 101 | First-Year Composition |
| ENG 520 | Visual Narratives |
| ENG 584 | Internship |
2026 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
2026 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
| ENG 597 | Graduate Capstone Seminar |
| ENG 598 | Special Topics |
| ENG 509 | Studies in Narrative Writing |
| ENG 494 | Special Topics |
2025 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
| ENG 505 | Narrative Research Methods |
| ENG 592 | Research |
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
| ENG 446 | Visual Narratives |
| ENG 584 | Internship |
| ENG 493 | Honors Thesis |
2024 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| ENG 520 | Visual Narratives |
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
| ENG 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| ENG 584 | Internship |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
| ENG 446 | Visual Narratives |
2023 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 471 | Literature for Young Adults |
| ENG 505 | Narrative Research Methods |
2023 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 597 | Graduate Capstone Seminar |
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
| ENG 394 | Special Topics |
2022 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 446 | Visual Narratives |
| ENG 520 | Visual Narratives |
| ENG 584 | Internship |
2022 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
2022 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 505 | Narrative Research Methods |
| ENG 473 | Crit Approaches Children's Lit |
2021 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
Keynote Presentations and Invited Conference Presentations (5)
5 Williams, W. R. (Oct. 2026). Title TBD. Keynote Presentation. Kansas Association of Teachers of English Conference. Wichita, KS.
4 Williams, W. R. (Feb. 2019). “Young Authors’ Studio: Mentoring Youth Writers in Arizona.” Keynote Presentation. National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research Conference. Birmingham, AL.
3 Williams, W. R. (Mar. 2026). “Digital Texts that Move, Delight, and Inspire: A Call to Include Animation in English Teacher Education.” Invited Conference Presentation. National Technology Leadership Initiative, ELATE Fellowship Award Session, Part of the Digital Texts and How to Teach Them Project, Chaired by K. Jones, S. E. Jerasa, R. Garg, and T. Aleo. Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference. Philadelphia, PA.
2 Williams, W. R. (Nov. 2025). “Mentoring Youth Writers.” Invited Conference Presentation. NCTE Author Session. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Denver, CO.
1 Williams, W. R. (May 2024). “Building Visual Literacy with Graphic Novels.” Invited Convention Presentation. Phoenix Fan Fusion. Phoenix, AZ.
Invited Academic Talks (7)
7 Williams, W. R. (Feb. 2026). “Lessons from ASU’s Young Authors’ Studio Program.” Latinx Oral History Lab. Arizona State University. Mesa, AZ.
6 Williams, W. R. (Oct. 2024). “The Use of Sound and Visual Elements in Studio Ghibli Films.” Lunch and Learn Series for Students. Multicultural Communities of Excellence at the Polytechnic Campus, Arizona State University. Mesa, AZ.
5 Williams, W. R. (Oct. 2022). “Student Writing Awards Q&A Event.” National Council of Teachers of English. Virtual Session.
4 Williams, W. R. (Nov. 2020). “Young Authors’ Studio.” Guest Speaker for Students in Dr. Stephanie Reid’s English Teaching Methods Course. University of Montana. Virtual Session.
3 Williams, W. R. (Nov. 2019). “Narrative Research.” Teachers College Doctoral Council. Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
2 Williams, W. R. (Nov. 2018). “Listen to the Poet.” Changing Hands Bookstore. Tempe, AZ.
1 Williams, W. R. (Oct. 2009). “Using Instructional Games in the Classroom.” Sunnyslope High School. Phoenix, AZ.
Invited Workshop Presentations for Youth (10)
10 Williams, W. R. & Moulton, F. (Apr. 2024). “Choose Your Adventure.” Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Literacy Events, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
9 Williams, W. R. (Aug. 2022). “Visual and Multimodal Storytelling.” College of Integrative Sciences and Arts and Arizona State University Preparatory Academy Partnership Program. ASU Preparatory Academy, Arizona State University. Mesa, AZ.
8 Williams, W. R. (Mar. 2019). “Spoken Word Poetry.” Girls Ranch Scottsdale. Scottsdale, AZ.
7 Williams, W. R. (Jun. 2018). “Interpreting and Composing Visual Narratives.” AVID Summer Bridge Program. College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University. Mesa, AZ.
6 Williams, W. R. (Jan. 2018). “Writing Spoken Word Poetry.” Sunnyslope High School. Phoenix, AZ.
5 Ammons, C., Fernandez, A., Rodriguez, M., Thompson, J. [ASU BA students], & Williams, W. R. (May 2017). “Celebrating Literacy and Youth Voices.” Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Literacy Events, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
4 Boyer, N., Cossio, J., Fox, C., Hoadley, K. [ASU BA students], & Williams, W. R. (May 2016). “Playing with Words: Creating Poems, Bookmarks, and Tales.” Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Literacy Events, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
3 Williams, W. R. (May 2013). “Art and Writing.” Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Literacy Events, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
2 Williams, W. R. (Jun. 2012). “Songwriting Workshop.” “rl txt” Young Writers’ Institute. Central Arizona Writing Project, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
1 Williams, W. R. (May 2012). “Songwriting 101: Writing Lyrics.” Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Literacy Events, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
Presentations at National Conferences, Peer-Reviewed Proposals (43)
43 Williams, W. R. (Nov. 2026). “Mentoring Youth Writers.” In Session: Celebrating Cathy Fleischer, Retiring Editor of NCTE’s Principles in Practice Book Series. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Philadelphia, PA.
42 Williams, W. R. (Nov. 2026). “Teaching Animation: Strategies for Inspiring Creative Multimodal Storytelling.” In Session: Illuminating What’s Possible with Technology: Imagining, Innovating, and Inspiring Digital Literacies Practices in ELA. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Philadelphia, PA.
41 Williams, W. R. (Nov. 2026). The Future Is Now: Exploring 21st Century Teaching Ideas with the Next Generation of English Teachers. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Philadelphia, PA. Respondent.
40 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2025). “Inspiring Students Through Animation.” In Session: Digital Texts and How to Teach Them. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Denver, CO.
39 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2025). “Engaging Imagination and Creativity Through the Arts and Multimodal Storytelling.” Commission on Arts and Literacies Roundtables at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Denver, CO. Session Chair: 13 Roundtables.
38 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2024). “Strategies for Building a Supportive Community in the Classroom: Findings from a Study of a Youth Writing Program.” National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Boston, MA.
37 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2024). “Tapping into Students’ Love of Narrative Composition: Stop-Motion Animation Workshop.” Commission on Arts and Literacies Roundtables at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Boston, MA.
36 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2024). The Future Is Now: Exploring 21st Century Teaching Ideas with the Next Generation of English Teachers. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Boston, MA. Respondent.
35 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2023). “Compact Connections: Using Thumbnail Sketches with Reading and Writing.” Commission on Arts and Literacies Roundtables at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Columbus, OH.
34 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2023). The Future Is Now: Exploring 21st Century Teaching Ideas with the Next Generation of English Teachers. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Columbus, OH. Respondent.
33 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2022). The Future Is Now: Exploring 21st Century Teaching Ideas with the Next Generation of English Teachers. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Anaheim, CA. Respondent.
32 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2021). The Future Is Now: Exploring 21st Century Teaching Ideas with the Next Generation of English Teachers. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Virtual Session. Respondent.
31 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2021). “Using Graphic Novels to Support Anti-Racist Teaching.” Commission on Arts and Literacies Roundtables at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Virtual Session.
30 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2020). The Future Is Now: Exploring 21st Century Teaching Ideas with the Next Generation of English Teachers. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Virtual Session. Respondent.
29 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2019). “Teaching Visual Storytelling: Tips for Composing Comic Books, Photo Essays, and Short Films.” In Session: Sparking Imagination and Wonder through Authentic Forms of Writing: Spoken Word Poetry, Visual Storytelling, and Writing Contests – Session proposal submitted with D. Greco & D. Maloney. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Baltimore, MD.
28 Reid, S. [ASU doctoral student], & Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2019). “Visual Storytelling: A Hands-On Workshop.” Commission on Arts and Literacies Roundtables at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Baltimore, MD.
27 Williams, W.R. (Jul. 2019). “Teaching Visual Storytelling: Using Elements of Art and Design to Interpret and Construct Stories with Images.” English Language Arts Teacher Educators Conference. Fayetteville, AR.
26 Williams, W.R., & Deahl, C. (Nov. 2018). “Writing and Performing Spoken Word Poetry: A Hands-on Workshop.” Commission on Arts and Literacies Roundtables at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Houston, TX.
25 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2018). “Attending to the Visual: Students’ Uses of Art and Design Elements to Interpret and Construct Visual Narratives.” National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Houston, TX.
24 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2018). The Future Is Now: Exploring 21st Century Teaching Ideas with the Next Generation of English Teachers. Conference on English Education Graduate Strand Roundtables at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Houston, TX. Respondent.
23 Williams, W.R. (Mar. 2018). “Opportunities and Obstacles: A Study of 15 Secondary Teachers and Their Use of Spoken Word Poetry.” National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research Conference. Towson, MD.
22 Williams, W.R. (Jun. 2017). “Spoken Word Poetry in English Education: Teacher Testimonials.” In Session: Spoken Word Poetry in English Education: Studies of Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers – Session proposal submitted with A. Kindelsperger, R. Mayo, & A. Vaughan. Conference on English Education: Summer Conference. Columbus, OH.
21 Williams, W.R. (Jun. 2017). “Seeing Stories in a New Light: Visual Narratives.” Conference on English Education: Summer Conference. Columbus, OH.
20 Williams, W.R. (Feb. 2017). “Investigating a Spoken Word Poetry Teacher Study Group.” National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research Conference. San Francisco, CA.
19 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2016). “‘The poetry performance . . . rocked the house’: Supporting Creative Expression (Despite Obstacles) in a High School Poetry Club.” Commission on Arts and Literacies Roundtables at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Minneapolis, MN.
18 Williams, W.R. (Dec. 2015). “Embracing Vulnerability: Performance in a Spoken Word Poetry Group.” Literacy Research Association Conference. Carlsbad, CA.
17 Williams, W.R. (Dec. 2015). “Sustaining Literacy, Equity, and the Imagination: Balancing the Benefits and Challenges of a Youth Spoken Word Poetry Group.” In Symposium: Re-imagining Literacy, Equity, and Participation in Diverse Youth Communities – Session proposal submitted with M. Bertrand, S. Durand, T. Flores, T. Gonzalez, K. Gutierrez, & Y. Sealey-Ruiz. Literacy Research Association Conference. Carlsbad, CA.
16 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2015). “The Art of Spoken Word Poetry.” Commission on Arts and Literacies Roundtables at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Minneapolis, MN.
15 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2015). “Starting a Youth Spoken Word Poetry Group in Your Community.” In Session: “Teaching Beyond Classrooms”: Three Approaches to Community-Based Literacy Learning – Session proposal submitted with J. Blasingame, S. Durand, T. Flores, & T. Gonzalez. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Minneapolis, MN.
14 Williams, W.R. (Dec. 2014). “‘You Got Stories’: How a Spoken Word Poetry Group in the Urban Southwest is Supporting a ‘Safe Space’ for Youth Voices.” Literacy Research Association Conference. Marco Island, FL.
13 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2014). “A Community of Spoken Word Poets in the Southwest.” National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Washington, D.C.
12 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2014). “Using Illuminated Text Projects with Young Adult Literature.” Commission on Arts and Literacies Roundtables at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Conference. Washington, D.C.
11 Williams, W.R. (May 2014). “Making Sense of Young Adult Literature through Illuminated Text Projects.” International Reading Association Conference. New Orleans, LA.
10 Williams, W.R. (Apr. 2014). “Becoming a Songwriter: How Out-of-School Literacy Learning Can Inform Formal Literacy Instruction.” American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, PA.
9 Williams, W.R. (Jan. 2014). “Investigating Youth Songwriting: A Closer Look at Tools, Collaboration, and Performance.” National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research Conference. Chicago, IL.
8 Williams, W.R. (Dec. 2013). “Transformative Literacy: Two Adolescent Songwriters’ Self-Sponsored Writing Practices.” Literacy Research Association Conference. Dallas, TX.
7 Williams, W.R. (Dec. 2013). “Extending the Critical Tradition: Searching for Critical Understandings in Literacy Education.” Literacy Research Association Conference. Dallas, TX. Discussant.
6 Williams, W.R. (Jul. 2013). “Literature, Music, and Animation Unite: Teaching the Illuminated Text Project.” Conference on English Education: Summer Conference. Fort Collins, CO.
5 Blasingame, J., C. Gordon, C. Nicholson, M. Powell, & W.R. Williams. (Nov. 2012). “A National Consortium for Teaching Young Adult Literature through Technology.” Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of NCTE Workshop. Las Vegas, NV.
4 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2012). “Supporting Songwriters in Secondary English Classrooms.” Commission on Arts and Literacies Roundtables at the National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Las Vegas, NV.
3 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2012). “Demystifying College Application: A Unit for High School Students.” In Session: Writing as a Gateway: Demystifying Real World Writing for Secondary Students – Session proposal submitted with J. Early & J. Blasingame. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Las Vegas, NV.
2 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2011). “College Bound: Using a College Application Unit with Secondary Students.” In Session: Opening the Gates: Creating Real World Writing Opportunities for Diverse Secondary Students – Session proposal submitted with J. Early, M. DeCosta, & M. Powell. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Chicago, IL.
1 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2010). “Transdisciplinary Literacy: “Reading” Art, Film, and Literature.” National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Orlando, FL.
Presentations at Local Conferences, Peer-Reviewed Proposals (17)
17 Williams, W.R. (Sep. 2022). “Writing about Food.” Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Phoenix, AZ.
16 Williams, W.R., McGovern S., Pullins, K., & McNary, A.Z. (Sep. 2022). “Workshop: Teachers as Writers Contest.” Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Phoenix, AZ.
15 Velasquez, E. [ASU doctoral student], & W.R. Williams. (Sep. 2021). “Teaching Visual Storytelling.” Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Phoenix, AZ.
14 Domínguez, A. [ASU doctoral student], M. Hall [ASU MA student], & W.R. Williams. (Sep. 2020). “Using Young Authors’ Studio to Inspire Creativity and Nurture Writing Identity.” Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Virtual Conference.
13 Williams, W.R. (Sep. 2019). “Japanese Animation in the English Classroom: Tapping into the Pedagogical Potential of Studio Ghibli Films.” Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Chandler, AZ.
12 Williams, W.R. (Sep. 2017). “Young Authors’ Studio: A Free Saturday Writing Program at ASU in Fall 2017.” Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Chandler, AZ.
11 Williams, W.R. [organizer], S. Durand, T. Flores, A. Hansen, A. Hays, D. Roen, C. Taylor [ASU BA student], & T. Weaver. (Sep. 2016). Roundtable: Secondary English Education. Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Glendale, AZ.
10 Williams, W.R. (Sep. 2015). “Findings from a Yearlong Study of a Youth Spoken Word Poetry Organization.” In Session: Learning Beyond the Classroom: Three Approaches to Youth Community Literacy – Session proposal submitted with S. Durand & T. Flores. Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Mesa, AZ.
9 Williams, W.R., & M. Powell. (Sep. 2015). “Tips for Using Spoken Word in English Language Arts.” In Session: Using Spoken Word Poetry in English Language Arts Classes and After-School Clubs – Session proposal submitted with J. Donaldson, M. Powell, & N. Valente. Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Mesa, AZ.
8 Williams, W.R. (Sep. 2013). “Picturebook Writing Pedagogy: Navigating Theory, Practice, and Policy.” In Session: Picturebook Writing for All – Session proposal submitted with S. Shaffer & M. Franco [ASU BA student]. Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Mesa, AZ.
7 Williams, W.R. (Sep. 2012). “Investigating Youth Literacies: Making Space for Songwriters in the ELA Classroom.” Arizona English Teachers Association State Convention. Mesa, AZ. Presenter.
6 Williams, W.R. (Sep. 2011). “Using Instructional Games.” Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Mesa, AZ.
5 Williams, W.R., & S. Shaffer. (Feb. 2011). “Active Participation: Novel Strategies That Kids Will Love.” Language and Literacy Conference. Tempe, AZ.
4 Williams, W.R. (Sep. 2010). “Teaching to a Higher Standard: Enriching the English Classroom with the Arts.” Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Mesa, AZ.
3 Williams, W.R. (Feb. 2010). “Using the Arts in the Language Arts Classroom.” Language and Literacy Conference. Tempe, AZ.
2 Williams, W.R. (Oct. 2008). “Seeing the World (and Ourselves) through International Folktales.” Arizona English Teachers Association Convention. Mesa, AZ.
1 Williams, W.R. (Jul. 2008). “‘Sigh Not So, But Let Them Go’: Students as Teachers of Shakespeare.” Current Shakespeare Scholarship and the Secondary Classroom Symposium. Flagstaff, AZ.
Additional Presentations (5)
5 Williams, W.R. (Dec. 2024). “Composing a Virtual Reality Game: The Chef’s Garden Experience.” Narrative Studies Symposium. College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University. Mesa, AZ.
4 Williams, W.R. (Feb. 2023). “YA Books to Spark Your Creativity.” Writing Retreat at ASU Polytechnic Campus. Young Authors’ Studio Program, Arizona State University. Mesa, AZ.
3 Williams, W.R. (Mar. 2021). “Writing Poetry Workshop.” Young Authors’ Studio Program, Arizona State University. Virtual Session.
2 Dawson, K. [ASU MA student], Williams, W.R., & R. Martinez Orozco. (Nov. 2020). Humanities Dialogues Panel. Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication. College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University. Virtual Session.
1 Williams, W.R. (Jan. 2018). “Young Authors’ Studio: Blending Teaching, Research, and Service in a Free Writing Program for Kids in Grades 5-12.” Learning Innovation Showcase, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
Funded Awards
- National Technology Leadership Initiative Fellowship Award for English Language Arts Teacher Educators (ELATE), Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference
- Innovation Award, College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, ASU
- Young Authors’ Studio Grant, Arizona Humanities
- International Folktales Teaching Tolerance Grant, Southern Poverty Law Center
- Japanese Culture and Values Summer Stipend, National Endowment for the Humanities
- Teaching with Technology, Wells Fargo Teacher Partner Grant
- Teaching Vocabulary, Wells Fargo Teacher Partner Grant
- Noel Chadwin Gray Fellowship
- Daisy M. Jones Endowed Fellowship
- Dr. Roy C. Rice Graduate Scholarship
- University Fellowships (multiple), ASU
- Summer Research Awards (multiple), College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, ASU
- Travel Awards (multiple), ASU
Additional Honors/Awards
- Community Literacy Award, Arizona English Teachers Association
- Faculty of Excellence Award, Multicultural Communities of Excellence, ASU
- Graduation Poet, College of Integrative Sciences and Arts Commencement, ASU
- Sun Awards (multiple), ASU
- Student Outstanding Research Award Honorable Mention, Literacy Research Association
- Special Issue Guest Editor (Nov. 2026 issue), “Food Studies in English Language Arts,” English Journal
- Column Editor (12 issues), Teaching Creative Writing Column, English Journal
- National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
- National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research (NCTEAR)
- Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of NCTE (ALAN)
- English Language Arts Teacher Educators (ELATE)
- ELATE Commission on Arts and Literacies (COAL)
- Arizona English Teachers Association (AETA)
- International Visual Literacy Association (IVLA)
- Literacy Research Association (LRA)
- International Literacy Association (ILA)
- American Educational Research Association (AERA)
- National Writing Project (NWP)
- Maricopa County Master Gardeners
- Dissertation External Examiner, University Malaya, Malaysia, Dr. C. Ing
- Dissertation Committee Member, N. Smith
- Dissertation Committee Member, Dr. K. ByBee
- Dissertation Committee Member, Dr. E. Hajiric
- Dissertation Committee Member, Dr. N. Bruhis
- Dissertation Committee Member, Dr. S. Reid
- MA Applied Project Director, M. Mathews
- MA Applied Project Director, T. Mathews
- MA Applied Project Director, A. Vu
- MA Applied Project Member, Y. Chi
- MA Applied Project Member, Q. Shaughnessy
- MA Applied Project Member, S. Enck
- MA Applied Project Member, S. Anderson
- MFA Applied Project Member, Q. Lei
- Honors Thesis Director, M. Rath
- Honors Thesis Committee Member, R. Love
- Honors Thesis Committee Member, N. Roodettes Musquiz
- Honors Thesis Committee Member, A. Lewkowitz
- Honors Thesis Committee Member, S. Reed
- Honors Project Supervisor, 9 students
Professional Service & Leadership
- Co-Chair, ELATE Commission on Arts and Literacies (130+ members), National Council of Teachers of English
- Chair and Committee Member, Achievement Awards in Writing Advisory Committee, National Council of Teachers of English
- Board Member, Executive Director, Conference Program Chair, and Writing Contest Coordinator, Arizona English Teachers Association
University Service & Leadership
- Interim Chair, Co-Chair, and Committee Member, Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee (CAPC)
- Committee Member, Senate Executive Committee
- Member, Grievance Committee
- Chair and Committee Member, Awards Committee, College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
- Committee Member, Media Literacy Task Force, ASU
- Committee Member, Academic Program Review, School of Applied Sciences and Arts
Faculty Personnel Reviews
- External Reviewer, Promotion and Tenure Case, Assistant Professor, Southern U.S.
- Committee Member, Third-Year Review Committees (Tenure Track), Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication
- Committee Member, Faculty Annual Review Committee (Tenure Track), Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication
- Committee Chair, Promotion Committee (Career Track), School of Applied Sciences and Arts
- Teaching Observations (5), School of Applied Sciences and Arts
Manuscript & Proposal Review
- Invited Editorial Board Member, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy
- Invited Reviewer, Research in the Teaching of English
- Invited Reviewer, Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research
- Invited Reviewer, International Journal of English Studies
- Invited Reviewer, University of Massachusetts Press, Literacy/Education
- Invited Reviewer, National Council of Teachers of English Press, Teaching Poetry
- Invited Reviewer, Routledge, Visual Arts
- Invited Reviewer, Bloomsbury, BFI (British Film Institute) Film Classics
- Invited Reviewer, Bloomsbury, Teacher Education
- Invited Reviewer, Rowman & Littlefield, Visual Storytelling
- Conference Proposal Reviewer, National Council of Teachers of English
- Conference Proposal Reviewer, National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research
- Conference Proposal Reviewer, Literacy Research Association
- Conference Proposal Reviewer, American Educational Research Association
Community Events & Programs
- Founding Director, ASU Young Authors' Studio
- Founding Organizer, ASU Sparky Slam & Other Poetry Events
- Founding Organizer, ASU Narrative Studies Symposium
- Founding Organizer, CISA Humanities Dialogues
- Volunteer Work: Arizona School for the Arts, Herberger Young Scholars Academy, & Mercury Mine Elementary
In the News (Selected)
- Tale, Kasturi. (2026). “ASU Turns Learning ‘Upside Down’ with New Stranger Things Narrative Writing Class.“ The State Press.
- Gonzales, Jazlyn. (2024). “Specialty Studies, The Top 5 Most Niche Classes at ASU: A Look at Creative ASU Classes You Can Take in the Spring.” The State Press.
- Griffith, Renee. (2024). “Your Words Matter.” Bear Essential News (Phoenix Edition), pp. 10-11.
- Roen, Maureen. (2023). “Fan of Totoro, Catbus, and Ponyo? ASU Has a Spring Course for You.” ASU News.
- Pelton, Connor. (2017). “Students Throw Down Creativity at ASU Poetry Slam.” ASU Now.
- Faller, Mary Beth. (2017). “ASU Professor’s Research Finds Healing, Power in Young People’s Writing.” ASU Now.
- Brand, Hayley. (2016). “Students Find Healing through Spoken-Word Poetry.” The State Press.
- Lenkei, Alex. (2016). “Bringing Spoken Word into the Classroom.” Education Week.
- Greguska, Emma. (2016). “Rap, Spoken-Word Poetry Inspire ASU Professor to Take Different Approach to Teaching Creative Subjects.” ASU Now.
- Skinner, Emily. (2013). “Interview with Wendy Williams.” Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy.