TESTIMONIALS:

"I had the pleasure to take a 2-day workshop with Helen on The Queer Possibility in Writing. She was prepared and created an exciting syllabus including assigned readings that added great value to the workshop. Helen led the class in a way that encouraged individual exploration and created an open and respectful atmosphere for the diverse voices in the classroom. It was clear that Helen has confidence in her teaching and a grasp on what writers need. She is organized, communicative, and cares about her students beyond the end of the course. Helen’s passion for queering writing and diving into the myriad things that could mean is evident.

* Helen's flexibility and openness to new ideas of storytelling made this course not what I expected in a really good way

* Helen is extremely adept in crafting learning experiences in writing that are both practical and informative.

* Helen prioritized each writer’s liberty to write about what they wanted to and develop their own style. The open nature of her class allowed for the freedom desired in a fiction class. The workshops really helped improve my own writing as well as learn from my peers in a respectful and fruitful manner.

* Helen always knew the best ways to facilitate class discussions. She always made sure no one's hand went unnoticed, everyone's opinions were heard, and both sides of every argument were aired. Everyone sitting in that class seemed to feel comfortable speaking (which is very rare).

* Everyone was allowed to voice their own opinions; we engaged in practical debates/conversations about significant topics related to creative writing/writers’ experiences Did not necessarily steer the conversation - allowed us to take charge of the class, especially in terms of the conversations

* Everyone was welcomed to speak during open discussion regardless of how long or short their elaboration was. Everyone was allowed express their ideas and speak for as long as they desired. Helen was inclusive and made sure everyone was able to speak. Multiple perspectives were always accepted.

* Helen did a great job of making sure everyone had a chance to speak in class discussions, and was really great at remembering when students had something to say but weren't able to cut in, which was nice as a person who finds it difficult to speak in large discussions. Also, she showed her care and interest in our writing many times throughout the semester. It was great to receive personal feedback in a letter after our workshop and in comments after turning in our final portfolio. Also, the final class where we read our writing was an amazing experience and showed how invested Professor Armstrong was in our writing and creative visions. I also loved how she began every class with a discussion of everyone's highs and lows from the past week, which showed how much she cared about how we were doing as well as building a class community. Overall, Professor Armstrong was a lovely, kind, and approachable person who made this class feel very loving and supportive.

* She was incredibly receptive to people's comments and stories. If she ever corrected anyone (which was rare), she did so in a way that was respectful and kind. She also made very clear that the workshops were supposed to be constructive rather than critical, which was a good rule to set.

* I would recommend this class wholeheartedly. It has helped me grow greatly as a writer, and I really enjoyed all the work I completed over the course of the semester. I am so happy to have produced a portfolio of writing I am proud of, and to have found a wonderful and supportive community of writers on campus. It was not a very stressful class but still taught me so much. I wish I could take it over again!!