Educator

"I took Intro to Creative Writing through the Eyes of African Americans, taught by Dr. Phaire, Spring 18’ during my Sophomore year at The University of Maryland, College Park. On the first day of class, I knew that she was going to be a professor that cared about her students and was determined to make sure no one was left behind when understanding the material. Having Dr. Phaire as a creative writing teacher means you will have an enjoyable learning experience while also having your work and creative process challenged.

One thing I appreciate about Dr. Phaire is that she is not afraid to tell you when your work was not your best; there is no sugar coating with her. My favorite memory of this course was during our ten-page play assignment. During peer review, she read over what I perceived was my flawless play and tore it apart (metaphorically speaking). She made me realize that the storyline of my play was not connecting and although I may have thought it was good, there was a lot of room for improvement. I took her critique and changed my play. That was honestly the best thing I could have done for that assignment. Not only was the final product captivating thanks to her edits, it was cohesive while also displaying key components of a good play. She is an amazing teacher and by taking her class, you will be doing yourself a service.

Apart from being a great professor, Dr. Phaire facilitated in creating a safe space. Her policy was, as soon as you left the classroom, what happened in the classroom never went passed its doors. This class became a safe space where people felt free to express their emotions through their creative work. We shared deep personal experiences with a group of people who started off as strangers but became trusted peers. If it was not for Dr. Phaire’s warm personality and teaching methods, we would not have been able to create the beautiful work that was produced in that class. I highly recommend taking this class to not only expand your creative writing skills but to broaden your creative lens."

— Sharon Kimemia, former UMD student (Spring 2018)

“I was blessed to have the opportunity to sit under the teachings and guidance of Dr. Phaire for the Spring 2022 semester. She is concerned about the bottom line, so I was able to grasp the material in its entirety. She gives students the chance to demonstrate what we learned. Her instructions and expectations of us are clear, and we are always encouraged to ask questions if in doubt. She gives directives during our virtual class, through written materials and videos on Blackboard, and she reaches out by email to those in need of catching up with assignments. The love she displays to each student and for the entire class is typically not witnessed or felt in most other academic settings. Dr. Phaire is a beacon of light, guiding students on the path of advancing themselves to achieve a dynamic education.”

— Isaac Joemah, former UDC student (January-June 2022)

"Dr. Phaire is truly amazing when it comes to supporting a student's success. She is very knowledgeable and helpful. She wants you to become a better writer! Her constant support makes passing her class successfully very achievable. Learning from her has been an honor. I respect and admire her as an educator and a person."

— Charles Johnson, former UDC student, Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters

"I had the opportunity to take Dr. Dorothy Phaire’s classes Foundations of Writing I and II the fall and spring semester of 2020-2021. At the beginning I was very nervous because I was not sure how the classes would go because of the Pandemic and the fact that all the classes would be taught online. Little did I know, Dr. Phaire would soon put my mind to rest. The minute I opened up her class on Blackboard, I knew that I would be alright.

Her classes were set up for anyone to be able to pass the class. She gave very clear and concise instructions and made it clear that if anyone had any questions, she would be available to help them. The only contradictory aspect of her class is her instructions may be a bit too… “wordy” at times. The only reason why that is, is because she cares TOO much about her students and wants to make sure they have all the resources and information to get assignments and readings done.

Dr. Phaire is by far one of my favorite professors ever, she took the time to listen to me, not just as a student at the University of the District of Columbia, but as an everyday person. I am forever grateful for having her class and hope to keep in touch throughout my higher education experience!"

— Alex M. Plance,
Former University of the District of Columbia (UDC) student, Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters

"I loved Professor Phaire’s class. She was very thorough in her teaching and made sure every student understood what we are learning in the class at any given time. She also made sure to set personal time with students who needed extra help. I liked how everything was at your own pace and there was no rush in any assignments we had to do. I learned a lot in this class such as developing a stronger paper with personal quotes and reliable resources.

If I could, I would take Professor Phaire’s class again."

— Javan Menzies
Former University of the District of Columbia (UDC) student, Fall 2020

"Dr. Phaire was my professor in Foundation Writing I, a freshman writing class, at the University of the District Columbia (UDC), Community College in Fall 2020 semester. Dr. Phaire is very professional and knowledgeable. She uses different teaching methodologies and good academic resources in order to teach students. Dr. Phaire showed enthusiasm when teaching her students. She made her classes understandable and fun. Because of these reasons I highly recommend her work.

I am very thankful to have met her."

— Yenny Amaya
Former University of the District of Columbia (UDC) student (August-December 2020)

"I am pleased to endorse Dr. Phaire. As her former student, I've had the pleasure to take two of her courses. Dr. Phaire is very passionate about what she does; she is knowledgeable, respectful, and attentive to her students. She gives clear and precise feedback that helps the student improve their writing. Dr. Phaire understands her student and provides materials that suit everyone's learning style, whether they're auditory learners, visual, reading, or kinesthetic learners. I am an auditory and visual learner, so I appreciated the learning materials provided, especially in a virtual setting; it really made a difference in my success in each course. The materials were accessible and well organized. Dr. Phaire responded to all emails promptly.

I loved taking the quizzes; they have prepared me for taking my current nursing school exams. Writing can be challenging at times as I have failed in previous institutions, but Dr. Phaire presents the material in such a clear and logical sequence that I wish I had taken her classes earlier."

—Roshena Stennett, former UDC student, Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 semesters

"Dr. Phaire was one of the few professors I interacted with and whose class I truly enjoyed during undergrad. She treated her students with nothing but kindness and hospitality. Dr. Phaire’s course allowed me to think and read critically and inspired me to exhibit my creativity through personal writings. She kept the spirits of the class high on a draining Tuesday morning. If I had a question about classwork, life, or anything of the sort, Dr. Phaire would always be an open ear. Dr.Phaire worked as a team with her students allowing the conversations held within the course to be impeccable.

If I could have Dr. Phaire as my professor again, I surely would!"

— Tijera Robinson
Former University of Maryland (UMD) student, Fall 2019

"Dr. Phaire was my Creative Writing teacher at the University of Maryland College Park (UMD). Her excitement towards the material and eagerness to engage with us made her class one of my favorites at UMD. During class, we discussed our own pieces and ideas on works we were studying. It allowed us to get to know each other and connect which is uncommon for many of the other classes I took. Dr. Phaire is very understanding towards the difficulties students have in creative writing. She was always there to help you revise pieces and give you another perspective on your work. Her class really opened my eyes towards what writing can be. It made me a better writer because it challenged me to look at writing in a different way. I am very happy I took her class."

— Jacqualine Asuquo
Former University of Maryland (UMD) student, (Spring 2019)

“Dr. Phaire has inspired me to become a better writer. I have always dreaded writing papers since before high school, but Dr. Phaire used creative writing to bring out the best in her students. She helped me find a voice that I didn’t fully realize I had. Dr. Phaire genuinely cares about each of her students, and takes extra time out of her day to connect with every individual in her class through their writing. I believe that because of her teaching I have developed a love for creative writing and writing in general.“

—Darian A. Mcghee
Former University of Maryland (UMD) student, (Fall 2018)

"Dr. Phaire was one of the most impactful teachers I had during my time at University of Maryland. Her creative writing class was my favorite class that semester, so much so that I don’t remember any other class I took that year of the many years I attended, but remember very clearly the days, times, and location of this one. Her curriculum was compelling, engaging and moving and the various writing activities were both challenging and attainable. As an English major, I took many amazing writing classes with interesting corresponding literature, however the experience curated by Dr. Phaire for what was an elective for me, was the most informative of the kind of writer I wanted to be, and I carry many of her suggestions with me in my master’s pursuit now. It is because of professors like her that I have aspirations of being an educator myself and any student would be investing into their personal education with taking any course she offers."

—Imani Marcus
Former University of Maryland (UMD) student, Spring 2018

"Dr. Phaire has been a fabulous professor of reading and writing techniques for me. With her guidance, I was given solid advice on how to construct narratives as memoirs, as poems, as short stories, and even as theater scripts (she's also a successful playwright!)

Dr. Phaire shared a variety of hardcover resources for me to use beyond her classroom that have helped me in my own higher-learning pursuit as a new reading language arts educator. The various authors we studied in her class--James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, Langston Hughes, among several others--helped me to broaden my cultural horizons and better understand what goes into creating realistic perspectives beyond my scope of the world. Thank you so much for your wonderful support along my teaching journey, Dr. Phaire!"

—Cameron McCary
Former University of Maryland (UMD) student (Fall 2018)

"Taking Dr. Phaire’s Creative Writing course made me enjoy writing again. Instead of feeling pressure to do my assignments, I was excited and inspired to keep writing even after the class was done. To this day the things I learned have shaped me as a personal writer and I am super grateful for the experience."

— C. Boisseau, former University of Maryland (UMD) student, Spring 2016

"Dr. Phaire was a wonderful professor during my time at the University of Maryland College Park (class of 2016). She taught a course called Creative Writing in the Eyes of African Americans. We learned how to transform our experiences into stories and craft our storytelling for the target audience. I enjoyed the exploration of historical texts by authors such as Zora Nela Hurston and Langston Hughes. She led thoughtful discussions of these texts and emphasized the importance of dialogue with our peers.

We often provided feedback on our classmate's short stories, which helped each of us improve in our writing ability."

—Lydie Tubene
Former University of Maryland (UMD) student, (Spring 2016)