Instructor Curriculum Vitae
James, Caitlin
Education
Master of Arts, Lamar University, December 2011. Major Area: English and Literature
Bachelor of Arts, Lamar University, August 2008. Major Area: English
Teaching Experience
2012–Present | Instructor of English and Literature, Tenured
Lamar State College Port Arthur
- Design and deliver college-level English and American Literature courses for diverse student populations, including traditional and dual-credit learners, across multiple levels of instruction.
- Develop and continuously refine course curricula, syllabi, lectures, instructional materials, assessments, and learning activities aligned with institutional and disciplinary learning outcomes.
- Facilitate engaging, student-centered instruction that promotes critical thinking, effective communication, analytical reading, and meaningful discussion of literature and composition.
- Teach students to analyze and interpret literary texts, poetry, and diverse literary traditions through close reading, contextual analysis, and the application of literary terminology and critical approaches.
- Provide historical, cultural, and biographical context to deepen students’ understanding of authors, literary movements, genres, and works within their respective periods.
- Teach and reinforce college-level written communication skills, including grammar, mechanics, syntax, organization, style, revision, research, and academic conventions.
- Integrate library and research resources into instruction, equipping students with strategies for locating, evaluating, and appropriately incorporating credible scholarly sources into academic writing.
- Create innovative instructional resources, multimedia materials, collaborative projects, and classroom activities designed to increase student engagement and support varied learning needs.
- Develop and administer formative and summative assessments, including examinations, quizzes, writing assignments, research projects, and other performance-based assessments, using assessment data to inform instruction.
- Provide individualized academic support and mentoring to students through one-on-one instruction, tutoring, writing guidance, and targeted feedback.
- Incorporate emerging technologies and digital tools into instruction while teaching students responsible and ethical approaches to technology-assisted learning.
- Establish and communicate clear expectations for the appropriate use of generative AI in academic work, addressing AI literacy, academic integrity, authorship, citation, and the distinction between productive AI assistance and plagiarism.
- Maintain accurate student records, grades, course documentation, and other academic responsibilities in accordance with institutional policies and standards.
- Contribute to a collaborative academic environment through curriculum development, instructional innovation, and the ongoing evaluation and improvement of English and literature instruction.
2011–2012 | ESL Instructor, Texas Intensive English Program (T.I.E.C.), Lamar University
- Designed and delivered English as a Second Language instruction for undergraduate and international students enrolled in ESL 140.
- Developed course syllabi, lectures, instructional materials, quizzes, examinations, and other assessments aligned with course learning objectives.
- Provided instruction in reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, language arts, written communication, oral communication, and practical English-language skills.
- Created a supportive, student-centered learning environment that addressed varied levels of English-language proficiency and encouraged active participation and communication.
- Assessed student progress through formal and informal assessments and maintained accurate records of grades, attendance, and academic performance.
- Adapted instructional strategies and materials to address individual student needs and promote continued development of academic English proficiency.
2009–2010 | Grammar and Writing Tutor, Writing Multimedia Center, Lamar University
- Provided individualized and small-group tutoring to undergraduate students in composition, grammar, academic writing, and revision.
- Offered open-access writing support to students across the university, helping writers identify areas for improvement and develop effective revision and problem-solving strategies.
- Diagnosed recurring grammatical, organizational, and stylistic issues and provided targeted instruction to strengthen students’ writing skills.
- Developed customized practice activities and review materials based on individual student needs and common areas of difficulty.
- Conducted post-essay conferences and follow-up consultations to help students apply feedback and develop greater independence as writers.
- Supported students throughout the writing process, including brainstorming, organization, drafting, revision, editing, and proofreading.
Licenses and Certifications
Work Experience
Lamar State College Port Arthur
Developmental / Non-Credit English
- Integrated Reading/Writing — DENG 0410
- Foundations of Composition — DENG 0301
College-Level English and Literature
- Composition I — ENGL 1301
- Composition II — ENGL 1302
- British Literature — ENGL 2321
- American Literature — ENGL 2326
- World Literature — ENGL 2331
Dual-Credit Instruction
- Extensive experience teaching college-level English and literature to dual-credit students through partnerships with local high schools, including Early College High School (ECHS), Memorial High School (MHS), Port Neches-Groves High School (PNG), Nederland High School (NHS), Bob Hope High School, and Tekoa Academy.
2013–Present | Online Instructor, Lamar State College Port Arthur
- Design and teach fully online English and literature courses using institutional learning-management systems and evolving digital instructional technologies.
- Develop online course materials, video-based lessons, instructional resources, assessments, discussion activities, and other digital learning experiences to support course objectives.
- Facilitate meaningful online discussions through discussion forums, virtual communication, and other digital platforms, encouraging student interaction and engagement with course content.
- Provide timely, substantive feedback on student writing, projects, examinations, and other assessments while monitoring individual student progress.
- Maintain accurate digital records of grades, attendance, academic progress, and course documentation.
- Provide virtual office hours and individualized academic support to online students, including assistance with course technology and navigation of digital learning platforms.
- Adapt instructional practices to accommodate changing technologies, student needs, and emerging approaches to online and hybrid education.
- Incorporate multimedia and interactive digital resources to enhance accessibility, engagement, critical thinking, and independent learning.
- Promote responsible and ethical use of digital technologies and generative AI within online coursework, with emphasis on academic integrity, student authorship, information literacy, and appropriate technology use.
2011–2012 | Adjunct Instructor, Lamar University
- Taught CRWT 0371: College Readiness Writing, providing instruction designed to strengthen students’ foundational writing and college-readiness skills.
- Developed lectures, instructional materials, quizzes, examinations, and other assessments aligned with course objectives.
- Delivered direct instruction in writing, grammar, organization, revision, and academic communication.
- Evaluated student work and provided constructive feedback to support development of college-level writing skills.
- Maintained accurate student records, grades, and course documentation while managing day-to-day instructional responsibilities.
2010–2011 | Administrative Assistant, Lamar University
- Provided comprehensive administrative and operational support to ensure the efficient day-to-day functioning of the department.
- Coordinated office communications, correspondence, scheduling, meetings, appointments, and departmental activities.
- Managed telephone and in-person communications, serving as a professional point of contact for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
- Prepared, formatted, distributed, and maintained departmental correspondence, memoranda, forms, and other official documents.
- Maintained accurate contact information, departmental records, files, and document-management systems while ensuring information was readily accessible.
- Utilized computer applications, office technology, and electronic communication systems to support departmental operations and improve workflow efficiency.
- Coordinated travel arrangements and related logistical needs for faculty and departmental personnel.
- Provided administrative assistance to faculty and staff and responded to routine questions and requests with professionalism and discretion.
- Maintained an organized, welcoming, and efficient office environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
Professional Associations
2017-2025: National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD)
2016-2018: American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
2019-2024: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
2019-current: Open Education Resources (OpenStax and OER)
2020-current: Texas Community College Teachers Association (TCCTA)
2021-current: Modern Language Association (MLA)
2021-current: National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
2023-current: Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC)
2025-current: College Language Association (CLA)
Professional Development
2024–2025 | Faculty Professional Development — Lamar University
Presenter: Dr. Ashley Dockens
Participated in a series of professional development sessions examining the impact of generative artificial intelligence on higher education, assessment, academic integrity, and student learning:
- “Lunch and Learn: Building AI-Centered & AI-Proof Assessments” — Strategies for designing assessments that appropriately incorporate AI while maintaining meaningful measures of student learning and authentic performance.
- “Lunch and Learn: Ethics, Integration, & Personal Empowerment for Faculty” — Ethical and effective approaches to integrating generative AI into teaching and faculty practice.
- “Lunch and Learn: Handling Academic Honesty in the Age of AI” — Strategies for addressing academic integrity, AI-assisted work, and evolving approaches to academic honesty.
- “Lunch and Learn: Promoting Authenticity of Student Work” — Approaches to designing instruction and assessment that encourage student ownership, engagement, and authentic demonstration of learning.
2025 | Sam Houston State University
Blackboard Ultra Professional Development Series
Completed a series of online professional development sessions focused on the design, implementation, and effective use of Blackboard Ultra:
- January 31, 2025
- February 7, 2025
- February 28, 2025
- March 21, 2025
- April 4, 2025
Training focused on instructional design, course organization, digital learning tools, and effective use of Blackboard Ultra to support online and hybrid instruction.
September 25–27, 2024 | Open Texas Conference
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) & Texas Digital Library (TDL)
Participated in three days of professional development sessions addressing open education, open educational resources (OER), digital learning, and emerging practices in higher education. The conference convenes Texas librarians, faculty, administrators, and open education practitioners and advocates to explore strategies for expanding access to high-quality educational resources.
2016–2019 | Digital Ticket Professional Development — Lamar University
Completed annual Digital Ticket professional development programs focused on educational technology, digital instruction, and technology-enhanced teaching and learning:
- 2019 — Digital Ticket, Lamar University
- 2018 — Digital Ticket, Lamar University
- 2017 — Digital Ticket, Lamar University
- 2016 — Digital Ticket, Lamar University
2018 | College and Career Conference — Lone Star College–North Harris, Texas
Participated in professional development focused on college and career readiness, student preparation, and strategies for supporting student success across educational transitions.
LSCPA Service
2012-Certificate of Excellence -Texas Board of Regents
2013-Faculty Senate Adjunct Representative
2014-2016 Distinguished Teacher to Athletes holding a 3.5 GPA
2015-Present Editor in Chief for Expressions Literary Magazine LSCPA
2015-2019- Book Club Faculty Sponsor
2016-2022Academic Advisor
2016-2018 Faculty Senate Secretary
2018-FIVE Years of Continuous Service and Loyalty Award
2019-Present Lead Instructor for English in GEDS Department
2019-Exemplary Blackboard Course Program Award
2020-Tenure Awarded by Texas State University System
2020-Book Club Head Faculty Sponsor
2023-TEN Years of Continuous Service and Loyalty Award
2023-2026- Member Faculty Senate
2025- Appointed as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) for LSCPA