For those with an interest in qualifications, background, and such matters (and in case a school in the Appalachians would like to offer me a job), here is just a sketch of something vita-like.

Between adjunct and graduate teaching assistant, I've got about 13 years experience teaching various levels of composition plus a bit of literature, speech, and small-group communication. I've taught at Ohio State, WVU-Parkersburg, Central Ohio Technical College, Ohio University, University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College, University of Southern Indiana, and Owensboro Community College.

I was in Who's Who Among America's Teachers twice.....not a great thing since they are trying to sell items, but it still required being nominated by students who thought I was their best teacher.  That's the kind of reference I like....and hope some students will be saying it when they turn 30, and 50, and 60.

I currently make my living as an antiques/collectibles dealer and with a bit of writing.

I passed my Ph. D. exams at Ohio University (20th Century Literature), but I'm way past the time limit for writing my dissertation.

I got my M.A. at Ohio State despite really annoying two professors who had never agreed on anything except their negative opinions of me.

Part way through my freshman year, I decided that I would drop out at the end of the year and become a stand-up comedian. A lack of self-discipline put an end to that idea, and I eventually remembered that I had wanted to be a teacher since 6th grade.  I hate saying it took me that long to be ready, but I think I'll always be getting ready.

Along the way, I've worked 42 or so non-teaching jobs. Those include selling vacuum cleaners, repairing railroad tracks, carpenter's helper, various stages of concrete work, plumbing, stereo sales, roofing, car sales, linen/uniform delivery, several fast food stints, and several that I can't think of at the moment (and several that I'd simply rather not think about).