Christopher Carmona
Associate Professor of English
Director of the Center for Mexican American Studies and Research
Main Building, Room 227C
210-431-6511
ccarmona@ollusa.edu
Areas of Expertise
Mexican American Studies, Creative Writing, Critical Ethnic Studies, and Literature.
Teaching Philosophy
In each of the courses I taught, I have utilized my experience as a writer and a Mexican American to facilitate conversation about race, gender, and identity in relation to the topics I was teaching. My particular approach to teaching is rooted in learning to use the tools around me and in their lives to teach them about the importance of writing. Throughout my years of teaching I have found that incorporating technology and their own lives into the assignments brings better work.
Outside Interests
I work to promote Ethnic Studies in Pre-K-12 education as well as work in the field of studying and bringing the voices of peoples effected by racialized violence to the public.
Professional Certifications
- Teaching Excellence Certification (2024)
The Rating System for Teaching Excellence is a faculty evaluation tool focusing on teaching strengths and a commitment to continuous improvement. It assesses instructors based on four key criteria, each rated on a scale of 1-5 stars. These criteria include the clarity of instruction, organization of course material, ability to engage students, and availability and helpfulness outside of class. Instructors are evaluated on their clarity in explaining concepts, the organization of course materials, their ability to engage and involve students, and their accessibility and responsiveness outside of class. This system helps showcase and recognize exceptional teaching while promoting ongoing enhancement of teaching skills.
Professional Memberships
- Refusing To Forget, refusingtoforget.org
- Texas Institute of Letters
Awards
- Inductee, Texas Institute of Letters 2023
- Organization of American Historians. Friend of History Award. 2021.
- Finalist. Texas Institute of Letters Best Young Adult Book for El Rinche: The Ghost Ranger of the Rio Grande. 2019
Education
- PhD - Cultural Rhetoric, Writing, and Poetics, Texas A&M University
- Master of Arts - English, University of Texas at Brownsville
- Bachelor of Arts - English, University of Texas-Pan American