Melissa Johnson MFA '24 Awarded Fall 2023 Mapmakers Teaching Assistantship
Melissa Johnson MFA '24 has been awarded the Fall 2023 Mapmakers Teaching Assistantship, a competitive opportunity co-sponsored by the Master of Fine Arts and English programs. The assistantship is open to all MFA students entering their 3rd or 4th semesters who have been awarded the Mapmakers Scholarship. The Mapmakers scholarship currently offers partial tuition awards to exceptional students of color, and this teaching fellowship offers an additional stipend.
In this role Melissa assists in the teaching of a section of ENGW 180, Writing and Research, led this term by Scott Korb, director of the MFA in Writing program. Korb will also offer pedagogy mentorship throughout the assistantship semester.
Melissa had this to say about the opportunity: "I am excited about the possibilities, scope, and the focus of the Mapmakers Teaching Assistantship. One aspect of my background is in education, so I am happy to be back with students in a learning environment. A classroom, whether virtual or IRL, is a wonderful space to talk, discuss, share opinions, where thinking together and participation is a form of communal life for both students and facilitators. I enjoy discussion, dialogue, and reflective conversations. So, while I am happy to be of service to students in their learning experiences, I look forward to what I will learn from my students as well."
A few weeks into the semester already, and Melissa is making a profound difference to this group of Pacific undergrads. The MFA congratulates her!