Faculty Spotlight - Dr. Steven Scherwatzky

Professor Steven Scherwatzky, Chair of the English department, has had an invigorating time during his first semester of teaching an Honors course. While the task of instructing an eight a.m. Introduction to College Writing course may seem daunting and arduous to many professors, Scherwatzky is very pleased with how his students are incredibly animated. As he approaches his room for class each Tuesday and Thursday morning, he can hear the clamoring and chatting of eager first-year Honors students. The enthusiasm of the students is energizing, Scherwatzky says, as each class begins with a warm welcome and the class is ready to participate and be engaged. Noticing that Honors students relish the challenge of taking the lead in class discussions, he assigns discussion leaders for each new assignment and allows them to shape the progression of class dialogue. According to Scherwatzky, this allows the Honors students to take leadership roles in the classroom, as well as to create a discourse with not only their peers but also with him.

It is no more than halfway through the semester, and he is already signed up to teach another section of the same class during the Fall 2016 semester. This is not only based on his positive experience instructing Honors students this semester, but also because of his background with teaching Honors students in his classes overall. Former and current students enjoyed Professor Scherwatzky’s class. Hannah Neild states, “He is very passionate about what he does and is dedicated to helping his students reach their potential. He pushes you to be your best as a writer and he has helped me tremendously.” Words often associated with Professor Scherwatzky teaching style include “passionate,” “humorous,” and “tremendously helpful.” With a professor who is so passionate about teaching, and students that are ready to learn, Professor Scherwatzky is an incredible addition to the Honors faculty and will help the program improve and grow.