Kent Shaw

Kent Shaw is an Associate Professor at Wheaton College in Massachusetts, specializing in poetry and creative writing.12 He teaches contemporary poetry both as literature and as a writing practice in the college's Creative Writing Program.2

Academic Background

Kent Shaw earned his BA in English literature from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and an MFA in creative writing from Washington University.3 His academic journey has led him to focus on teaching poetry as both literature and a writing process, finding that these two approaches often intersect and intertwine.1

Professional Career

Shaw joined Wheaton College in 2016 when he moved to New England with his family.6 He started as an Assistant Professor of English and was later granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor.5 This promotion reflects his dedication to teaching and his contributions to the field of poetry and creative writing.

Literary Work

As a poet himself, Kent Shaw has published notable works:

• His second book, "Too Numerous"4
• He continues to work on new material, as evidenced by his public readings of newer work alongside his published pieces4

Teaching Philosophy

Shaw's approach to teaching poetry is holistic, combining:

1. Literary analysis of contemporary poetry
2. Practical instruction in the writing process

This dual focus allows students to engage with poetry from multiple perspectives, enriching their understanding and practice of the art form.12

Kent Shaw's role at Wheaton College involves nurturing the next generation of poets and writers while continuing to contribute to the field through his own creative work and academic pursuits.