Part-Time Faculty Sheridan Steelman

Ph.D., Western Michigan U
M.A., GVSU
M.A., MSU
B.A., MSU
steelmsh@gvsu.edu

Dr. Sheridan Steelman taught middle and high school English for 50 years and served as department chairperson as well as curriculum teacher leader for the Northview Public Schools District in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her work as the coordinator for the West Michigan AP Literature and AP Language Networking Group provided teachers with innovative support and collaboration as well as opportunities for observing teachers through classroom learning labs. Today, she serves as an AP English Literature National Exam Reader. Dr. Steelman’s approach to teaching Shakespeare, based on primary documents, allows 21st century students to reflect on their own world as they analyze 16th century historical and cultural thinking. Her book, Walking in Shakespeare’s Shoes: Connecting His World and Ours Using Primary Sources, and her website, Shakespearedocuments.info, provides resources for teaching the Bard’s plays and sonnets. Dr. Steelman’s current work includes articles and presentations on pre-service teacher training, including writing pedagogy that builds bridges between high school and college.