About
Dr. Lorelei Wagner has been working with writers since 2006 - as a secondary education teacher (English and social studies), writing center tutor, freelance dissertation editor and coach, academic advisor, and university writing instructor. Dr. Wagner believes that writing is a source of embodied knowing, expression, growth, and discovery. Dr. Wagner believes in the power of words and the importance of both their intention and impact; that writing begins with listening and the creativity that comes with imagining possibilities and letting go of judgment; and that writing our stories and sharing them with others can be a way toward wholeness and unity with all endeavors of life. In addition to her experience as an educator and writer, Dr. Wagner is also a certified Deep Listening facilitator through the Center for Deep Listening at Rensselaer.
Ph.D. in Communication & Rhetoric (2021), Communication & Media Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY)
M.A. in English Education (2012), English Department, Gardner-Webb University (Boiling Springs, NC)
B.A. in English (2006), English Department, Gardner-Webb University (Boiling Springs, NC)
Research
Dr. Wagner's research interests are at the intersection of contemplative pedagogy, writing studies, and scholarly narrative. Her dissertation research and writing focused on the lived, sensed, embodied experiences of writing center tutors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic through a curated methodological approach based in Deep Listening, sensory ethnography, and personal narrative.
Dr. Wagner is also interested in writing center tutor education, retention, and well-being as it relates to a broader awareness of historical practices in writing center practices.
Deep Listening
Contemplative Pedagogy
Well-Being
Scholarly Narrative
Teaching
WRIT 1110: Writing in Context
This course explores different genres of written communication employed in a variety of situations. Emphasis is placed on utilizing communication strategies that are tailored to both the audience and the context in which the communication takes place. The ethical implications of communication within a specific environment are also considered. This course develops a process approach to writing, which moves from planning through revision and final editing.
WRIT 4550/6550: Proposing and Persuading
Make things happen: start a business, raise funds, solicit work, support research, win a place on a conference program, take initiative, change the way things are done around here. This course will teach students how to write proposals that persuade. Students will learn to turn situations into occasions for proposing, write a variety of proposals, locate Request for Proposals, develop a work plan for feasible projects that come in on-time and on-budget, use networks to strengthen proposals, detail a budget, and edit for clarity and grace.
Recognition
2019 - 2020 - HASS Fellowship (Rensselaer)
2019 - Founder's Award (Rensselaer)
2018 - 2019 - HASS Fellowship (Rensselaer)
2015 - 2016 - Graduate Fellowship (Rensselaer)
2010 - 2012 Graduate Education Scholarship (Gardner-Webb University)
2010 - Time Warner Cable Star Teacher Award (Cleveland County Schools)
2008 - Freshman Academy Teacher of the Year (Crest High School)
“Fostering Well-Being and Creativity through Deep Listening.” Collaboration with Dr. Tomie Hahn, Dr. Libby Falk Jones, and Dr. Alicia Walf. Conference on Writing and Well-Being. January 4-6, 2022.
“Fostering Transformative Well-Being Through Sensory Exploration.” Collaboration with Dr. Tomie Hahn, Dr.
Libby Falk Jones, and Dr, Alicia Walf. Conference on Writing and Well-Being. January 4-6, 2022.
“Bonding in Parallel: Online Collaborative Writing for Discovery.” Collaboration with Dr. Tomie Hahn, Dr. Libby Falk Jones, and Dr. Alicia Walf. Conference on Writing and Well-Being & Crossings. January 3-5, 2021.
“Listening In: Engaging the Senses for Identity and Well-Being.” Collaboration with Dr. Tomie Hahn and Dr. Alicia Walf. Conference on Writing and Well-Being. January 9-12, 2020.
“Move. Feel. Listen. Write.: Cultivating Space for Creativity through Deep Listening.” International Writing Center Association. October 17-19, 2019.
“Senses of Experience: Using Deep Listening in Writing Center Work.” Contemplative Practices for Higher Education. March 8-9, 2019
“A Tutor’s Sonic Beginnings.” RSA Sonic Rhetoric Summer Institute, May 25-27, 2017
“Listen Completely: Using Deep Listening in Writing Center Work.” Northeast Writing Center Association, April 1- 2, 2017
“Renegotiating our stories: Maintaining elements of the ‘Grand Narrative’ in composing new identities with Barbara Lewis and Jacqueline Bowler. Northeast Writing Center Association, April 2-3, 2016