Wendy Williams
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Mail code: 2780Campus: Poly
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Dr. Wendy R. Williams, Associate Professor of English Education & Narrative Studies at ASU, researches creative expression and visual/multimodal storytelling. She is the author of Listen to the Poet: Writing, Performance, and Community in Youth Spoken Word Poetry (2018, University of Massachusetts) and Mentoring Youth Writers: Six Strategies to Bring out the Author in Every Student (2025, NCTE). Her current book project (third monograph) investigates visual storytelling techniques and traditions, focusing on animation, film, and other forms.
Professor Williams has created new courses on Visual Narratives, Studio Ghibli Films, Stranger Things, Children’s Literature, Mentoring Youth Writers, Writing about Food, and Narrative Research Methods. In addition, she developed CISA’s Writing Certificate and played a role in creating ASU’s first Narrative Studies program (M.A. degree).
Her professional leadership has included serving as co-chair of NCTE’s ELATE Commission on Arts and Literacies, editor of English Journal’s “Teaching Creative Writing” column, and invited reviewer for Research in the Teaching of English and Bloomsbury’s British Film Institute (BFI) Film Classics series. At ASU, she has served as co-chair and interim chair of the university’s Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee (CAPC), member of the university’s Grievance Committee, and chair of her college’s Awards Committee, where she established new grants and awards for faculty. Innovative events and programs she has organized include ASU’s Young Authors' Studio, the ASU Sparky Slam, ASU’s Narrative Studies Symposium, and CISA’s Humanities Dialogues @Poly.
Dr. Williams is an amateur cellist, a former Shotokan karateka (ISKF/JKA), a classically trained chef, and a certified Maricopa County Master Gardener. She has published on kitchen design, specialty food shops, and cooking with locally-grown ingredients; currently, she is co-editing a special issue of English Journal on “Food Studies in English Language Arts” with ASU doctoral students, Adriana Diaz-Heppler and Emily Niska.
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 (4.0). Arizona State University. 1998
A.O.S. Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts. With honors (4.0). Scottsdale Culinary Institute. 2001
Summer Study Abroad: English. St. Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge, England. 1998
NEH Summer Institute: Japanese Culture and Values. San Jose State University. 2005
Maricopa County Master Gardener Certification. University of Arizona. 2023
BOOKS (MONOGRAPHS), PEER-REVIEWED
In Progress
Williams, W. R. (data collected, planning/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, PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL
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, PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS/BOOKS
In Progress
Williams, W. R. (data collected, planning/writing in progress). “Writing about Food.”
Williams, W. R. (under review). “Cultivating Visual Literacy and Creativity through Animation Projects.”
In Press
21 Williams, W. R. (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. (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]. (Nov. 2026). “Food Studies in English Language Arts: A Menu of Possibilities.” English Journal.
18 Williams, W. R. (Jun. 2026). “Capturing Stories in Motion: Visual Elements as Tools for Analyzing and Composing Animated Narratives.” Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education (CITE English).
Published
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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OTHER PUBLICATIONS: 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 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 |
2021 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENG 466 | Studies in International Film |
| ENG 484 | Internship |
| ENG 584 | Internship |
| ENG 471 | Literature for Young Adults |
| ENG 584 | Internship |
Conference Keynote, Invited Conference Presentations, & Other Invited Talks/Workshops (21)
21 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.
20 Williams, W.R. (Feb. 2026). “Lessons from ASU’s Young Authors’ Studio Program.” Invited Book Talk. Latinx Oral History Lab. Arizona State University. Mesa, AZ.
19 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2025). “Mentoring Youth Writers.” Invited Conference Presentation: NCTE Authors. National Council of Teachers of English Conference. Denver, CO.
18 Williams, W.R. (Oct. 2024). “The Use of Sound and Visual Elements in Studio Ghibli Films.” Invited Talk. Lunch and Learn Series for Students. Multicultural Communities of Excellence at the Polytechnic Campus, Arizona State University. Mesa, AZ.
17 Williams, W.R. (May 2024). “Building Visual Literacy with Graphic Novels.” Invited Convention Presentation. Phoenix Fan Fusion Convention. Phoenix, AZ.
16 Williams, W.R. & Moulton, F. (Apr. 2024). “Choose Your Adventure.” Invited Workshop Leader. Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Literacy Events, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
15 Williams, W.R. (Oct. 2022). “Student Writing Awards Q & A Event.” Invited Guest Panelist. National Council of Teachers of English. Virtual Session.
14 Williams, W.R. (Aug. 2022). “Visual and Multimodal Storytelling.” Invited Workshop Leader. College of Integrative Sciences and Arts and Arizona State University Preparatory Academy Partnership Program. ASU Preparatory Academy, Arizona State University. Mesa, AZ.
13 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2020). “Young Authors’ Studio.” Invited Talk. Guest Speaker for Students in Dr. Stephanie Reid’s English Teaching Methods Course. University of Montana. Virtual Session.
12 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2019). “Narrative Research Workshop.” Invited Talk. Teachers College Doctoral Council. Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
11 Williams, W.R. (Mar. 2019). “Spoken Word Poetry.” Invited Workshop Leader. Girls Ranch Scottsdale. Scottsdale, AZ.
10 Williams, W.R. (Feb. 2019). “Young Authors’ Studio: Mentoring Youth Writers in Arizona.” Conference Keynote Presentation. National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research Conference. Birmingham, AL.
9 Williams, W.R. (Nov. 2018). “Listen to the Poet.” Invited Book Talk. Organized by Dr. James Blasingame. Changing Hands Bookstore. Tempe, AZ.
8 Williams, W.R. (Jun. 2018). “Interpreting and Composing Visual Narratives.” Invited Workshop Leader. AVID Summer Bridge Program. College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University. Mesa, AZ.
7 Williams, W.R. (Jan. 2018). “Writing Spoken Word Poetry.” Invited Workshop Leader. Sunnyslope High School. Phoenix, AZ.
6 Williams, W.R. (May 2017). “Celebrating Literacy and Youth Voices.” Invited Workshop Leader. Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Literacy Events, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
5 Williams, W.R. (May 2016). “Playing with Words: Creating Poems, Bookmarks, and Tales.” Invited Workshop Leader. Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Literacy Events, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
4 Williams, W.R. (May 2013). “Art and Writing.” Invited Workshop Leader. Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Literacy Events, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
3 Williams, W.R. (Jun. 2012). “Songwriting Workshop.” Invited Workshop Leader. “rl txt” Young Writers’ Institute. Central Arizona Writing Project, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
2 Williams, W.R. (May 2012). “Songwriting 101: Writing Lyrics.” Invited Workshop Leader. Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Literacy Events, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
1 Williams, W.R. (Oct. 2009). “Using Instructional Games in the Classroom.” Invited Workshop Leader. Sunnyslope High School. Phoenix, AZ.
Presentations at National Conferences, Peer-Reviewed Proposals (40)
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
- Innovation Award, College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, ASU
- National Technology Leadership Initiative (NTLI) / English Language Arts Teacher Educators (ELATE) Fellowship Award, Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE) Conference
- 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 (NEH)
- 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 (CISA), ASU
- Travel Awards (multiple), ASU
Additional Honors/Awards
- Community Literacy Award, Arizona English Teachers Association (AETA)
- Faculty of Excellence Award, Multicultural Communities of Excellence, ASU
- Graduation Poet, College of Integrative Sciences and Arts Commencement (CISA), ASU
- Sun Awards (multiple), ASU
- Student Outstanding Research Award Honorable Mention, Literacy Research Association (LRA)
- 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 (NCTE)
- Chair and Committee Member, Achievement Awards in Writing Advisory Committee, National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
- Board Member, Executive Director, Conference Program Chair, and Writing Contest Coordinator, Arizona English Teachers Association (AETA)
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 (CISA)
- Committee Member, Media Literacy Task Force, ASU
- Committee Member, Academic Program Review, School of Applied Sciences and Arts (SASA)
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 (SASA)
- Teaching Observations (5), School of Applied Sciences and Arts (SASA)
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, 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 (NCTE)
- Conference Proposal Reviewer, National Council of Teachers of English Assembly for Research (NCTEAR)
- Conference Proposal Reviewer, Literacy Research Association (LRA)
- Conference Proposal Reviewer, American Educational Research Association (AERA)
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
- 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.