Caryn Bird
Residential Faculty
Department: English, Reading, Journalism & Creative Writing
Contact Information
Campus: Main
Office Number: O5-130
Email: caryn.bird@gccaz.edu
Phone number: 623-845-3208
Bio
Biography
“You cannot afford to think of being here to receive an education: you will do much better to think of being here to claim one.” – Adrienne Rich
I am a student-centered, highly motivated, creative educator with a commitment to student achievement and development. As an adaptable communicator, I have strong interpersonal skills. These talents are incredibly valuable in both the classroom and collegial setting. I strive to deliver differentiated, thoughtful, pedagogically sound instruction to meet the needs of diverse populations of students. It is my goal as an English instructor to guide my students to be critical thinkers and effective communicators. I want to create a learning community within the classroom where students are safe to share and learn. I hope to instill in my students a commitment to lifelong learning. I may be just one person, but I want to make the world a more inclusive and equitable place-starting with my classroom.
The daughter of a New Englander and Midwesterner, I have lived in Arizona my whole life. My interests are as diverse as New Hampshire is to Kansas, and my personality is as colorful as an Arizona sunset. I received my BAE in Secondary Education in 2007 and completed my MA in English in 2015 both from Arizona State University (GO DEVILS!). I loved every minute of my decade-long stint as a high school English teacher before becoming full-time residential faculty in 2017 I love continuing to grow as an educator here at Glendale Community College. Outside of the classroom, I am an avid reader, enthusiastic socializer, and dedicated social justice warrior. I volunteer with a variety of organizations that work with LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. I am also the proud owner of a pup named Willow!