Phil Weitl
Assistant Professor of English
M.F.A in Creative Writing, University of Nebraska (2008)
M.A. in English, Kansas State University (2004)
Graduate Certificate in Technical and Professional Communication, Kansas State (2004)
Gaylord Hall
Room 303
Doane College
Crete, NE 68333
(402) 826-8264
mailto:phil.weitl@doane.edu
I write and teach today because a few teachers in my past stepped beyond the selfish bounds of basic necessity, beyond the strict limits of their job description, and beyond constraints of time nurture my love and aptitude for such work. In so doing, they gave me the gift of purpose, and now I seek to be a similar kind of voice for my students. Writing
My experience tells me that many students struggle to write well not because they are unintelligent but because they are intimidated, because their early experiences were largely negative. So, I work hard in my classes to create an understanding environment in which students feel comfortable to ask questions, seek help, and test ideas. I work to be open, humble, and giving, to foster trust and support among my students, for such a setting encourages students to engage the perceived risks and complexities of writing more openly.
My creative interest is primarily creative nonfiction, but I have experience in a variety of forms and genres. I have also worked professionally as a political speechwriter, press secretary, screenwriter, and technical writer. I have published several essays, and I am nearing completion of a new book-length collection of personal essays, nature writing, and memoir.
Courses
The Writing Seminar (English 101), Business Writing (BUS 205)
Selected Publications
• "The Important Things." TextContent. Ed. Ann Kress and Suellyn Winkle. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2008 (pages TBD); originally published in Nebraska Life magazine in September/October 2005.
• "Ten Days in June." Nebraska Life. May/June 2006: 88-93; later selected for promotional use by the College World Series.