Thomas Baer
Carlock,IL
Summary
Dynamic English educator with over 25 years of experience teaching composition, literature, creative writing, and media writing at community colleges and universities. Expertise in fostering an inclusive learning environment for diverse learners through clear instruction, scaffolded assignments, and personalized feedback. Proven ability to enhance student writing, critical thinking, and real-world communication skills, supported by a strong background in newsroom leadership and professional copywriting. Committed to advancing student success and promoting writing across the curriculum through innovative pedagogical approaches.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Writing and Test Preparation
Private Tutor
Bloomington/Normal, IL
01.2023 - Current
- Coach high school and college students in composition, literature, and journalism
- Prepare students for ACT English and SAT Reading/Writing
- Strengthen writing structure, clarity, and analytical reasoning through individualized instruction
Adjunct Professor, English
Millikin University
Decatur, IL
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Teach writing-intensive courses emphasizing research, argumentation, and revision
- Provide targeted feedback to support diverse learners and improve writing outcomes
- Develop engaging course materials to enhance student learning and comprehension.
- Facilitate discussions that fostered critical thinking and analytical skills among students.
- Implement innovative teaching strategies to improve student engagement and participation.
- Evaluate student performance through comprehensive assessments and constructive feedback.
- Conduct peer reviews of academic papers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in writing skills.
Assistant Adjunct Professor, English
Heartland Community College
Normal, IL
01.2000 - 01.2023
- Taught Composition, Creative Writing, Humanities, and Literature across developmental and transfer-level courses
- Developed and implemented engaging curriculum for diverse student populations
- Supported dual-credit partnerships with local high schools, helping students transition successfully to college-level writing
- Facilitated interactive classroom discussions to enhance student understanding of course material.
- Provided individualized writing support in the Writing Center, improving student proficiency and confidence
- Edited and advised student journalism content, guiding publication-ready writing and media literacy
Copywriter
State Farm
Bloomington, IL
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Wrote and edited customer-facing content, FAQs, and internal communications
- Applied plain-language standards and corporate style guidelines
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to produce internal media and communications
Assistant Professor, English and Journalism
Lincoln College
Lincoln, IL
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Taught Journalism, Communications, Composition, Literature, and Creative Writing
- Founded and advised the student newspaper; supervised reporting, editing, layout, and publication
- Mentored student writers through the full editorial process from pitch to publication
- Developed journalism curriculum integrating ethics, reporting, and digital media
- Developed and implemented innovative curriculum for diverse student populations.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Increased academic achievement by providing one-on-one mentoring and support to struggling students.
- Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
- Inspired critical thinking skills among students by fostering a learning environment that encouraged open-mindedness, curiosity, and intellectual exploration.
Lecturer, English
Illinois State University
Normal, IL
01.1999 - 01.2002
- Taught first-year composition and mentored graduate instructors
- Supported student writing across literature and communications courses
Education
Doctoral coursework completed - School of Teaching and Learning
Illinois State University
Master of Science - English Studies (Composition and Literature)
Illinois State University
Bachelor of Science - English (Minor: Journalism)
University of North Florida
Associate in Arts - undefined
St. Petersburg College
Skills
- First-year composition instruction
- College preparatory writing
- Creative writing
- Media writing expertise
- Literature analysis
- Writing center instruction
- Evaluation of learning outcomes
- Inclusive teaching practices
- Proficient in MLA/APA citation styles
- Learning management systems expertise
Timeline
Writing and Test Preparation
Private Tutor
01.2023 - Current
Adjunct Professor, English
Millikin University
01.2021 - 01.2024
Copywriter
State Farm
01.2012 - 01.2014
Assistant Professor, English and Journalism
Lincoln College
01.2003 - 01.2010
Assistant Adjunct Professor, English
Heartland Community College
01.2000 - 01.2023
Lecturer, English
Illinois State University
01.1999 - 01.2002
Master of Science - English Studies (Composition and Literature)
Illinois State University
Bachelor of Science - English (Minor: Journalism)
University of North Florida
Associate in Arts - undefined
St. Petersburg College
Doctoral coursework completed - School of Teaching and Learning
Illinois State University