Who is Rita Faez?

Rita Faez is an award-winning, tenured, Associate Professor of English at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Her areas of expertise include rhetoric and composition, professional writing, and digital media.

As a scholar, she examines the ways that writing, digital media, and technology shape civic engagement and social change. She is the author of the book Composing Difference: Radical Acts in Educational Writing (MIT Press, 2020), which explores how writing can be used to challenge and disrupt dominant narratives and create more just and equitable societies.

In addition to her work as a scholar, Rita Faez is also a committed teacher and mentor. She has received numerous awards for her teaching, including the UCSB Alumni Associations Distinguished Teaching Award and the Chancellors Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

Name	Rita Faez
Title	Associate Professor of English
Institution	University of California, Santa Barbara
Expertise	Rhetoric and composition, professional writing, digital media
Awards	UCSB Alumni Associations Distinguished Teaching Award, Chancellors Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Rita Faez is a dedicated scholar, teacher, and mentor who is making a significant contribution to the field of writing studies. Her work is helping to shape the way we think about the role of writing in society and is inspiring a new generation of writers to use their voices to make a difference in the world.

Rita Faez

Scholar: Faez's research examines the intersections of writing, digital media, and social change.
Teacher: She is a dedicated educator, receiving numerous awards for her teaching excellence.
Mentor: Faez is committed to guiding and supporting students in their academic and professional endeavors.
Author: Her book, Composing Difference, explores the power of writing to challenge dominant narratives and promote social justice.
Leader: Faez holds leadership positions in professional organizations, such as the Conference on College Composition and Communication.
Advocate: She is an advocate for equity and inclusion in education and the broader community.

These key aspects highlight Rita Faez's multifaceted contributions as a scholar, educator, and advocate. Her work continues to inspire and shape the field of writing studies and beyond.

1. Scholar

Rita Faez's research explores the dynamic relationships between writing, digital media, and social change. She investigates how these elements interact to shape civic engagement, foster community building, and promote social justice.

Writing as a Tool for Social Critique
Faez examines how writing can be used to challenge dominant narratives, question power structures, and raise awareness about social issues. She explores the role of writing in movements for social change, such as the Black Lives Matter movement and the #MeToo movement.
Digital Media as a Platform for Civic Engagement
Faez investigates the potential of digital media to facilitate civic engagement and foster community building. She explores how social media platforms, online forums, and digital storytelling can be used to connect people, share information, and mobilize collective action.
The Role of Technology in Promoting Social Justice
Faez examines the ways in which technology can be leveraged to promote social justice and equity. She explores the use of technology to address issues such as racial bias in algorithms, the digital divide, and access to information for marginalized communities.

By exploring the intersections of writing, digital media, and social change, Rita Faez's research provides valuable insights into the ways that these elements can be used to create a more just and equitable society.

2. Teacher

Rita Faez is a dedicated and highly accomplished educator whose teaching excellence has been recognized with numerous awards. Her commitment to teaching and student success is evident in her innovative teaching methods, dedication to creating inclusive learning environments, and passion for mentoring students.

Innovative Teaching Methods
Faez incorporates innovative and engaging teaching methods to make learning interactive and meaningful for students. She utilizes technology, project-based learning, and collaborative group work to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Inclusive Learning Environments
Faez creates inclusive learning environments that welcome and support students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. She values and encourages student diversity, incorporates culturally responsive teaching practices, and fosters a classroom atmosphere where all students feel respected and valued.
Mentoring and Support
Faez is committed to mentoring and supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. She provides personalized guidance, feedback, and encouragement to help students succeed in their academic and professional endeavors. She also serves as a role model and advocate for students, helping them to navigate the challenges of higher education and prepare for their future careers.
Recognition and Impact
Faez's teaching excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the UCSB Alumni Associations Distinguished Teaching Award and the Chancellors Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Her teaching has a profound impact on her students, who consistently praise her dedication, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire them to learn and grow.

Rita Faez's dedication to teaching and student success extends beyond the classroom. She is actively involved in professional development activities, serves as a mentor to other educators, and contributes to the broader field of education through her research and publications. Her commitment to teaching excellence makes her an invaluable asset to UCSB and the broader community.

3. Mentor

Rita Faez's commitment to mentoring and supporting students is an integral part of her identity as an educator. She recognizes the importance of providing guidance, encouragement, and resources to help students succeed in their academic and professional lives. Through her mentorship, Faez empowers students to develop their critical thinking skills, navigate the challenges of higher education, and prepare for their future careers.

Faez's mentorship extends beyond providing academic support. She also serves as a role model and advocate for students, helping them to develop their self-confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. She encourages students to get involved in research, professional organizations, and community service, providing them with opportunities to apply their knowledge and make a difference in the world.

The impact of Faez's mentorship is evident in the success of her former students. Many of her students have gone on to pursue graduate degrees, secure prestigious jobs, and make significant contributions to their fields. Faez's mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping their lives and careers.

Rita Faez's commitment to mentoring is not just a job; it is a passion. She genuinely cares about her students and is invested in their success. Her mentorship is a valuable asset to UCSB and the broader community, and it is a testament to her dedication to education and student development.

4. Author

Rita Faez's book, Composing Difference: Radical Acts in Educational Writing, explores the power of writing to challenge dominant narratives and promote social justice. In her book, Faez argues that writing can be used as a tool for social change, helping to dismantle oppressive structures and create a more just and equitable world.

Faez draws on her own experiences as a writer, teacher, and researcher to illustrate how writing can be used to challenge dominant narratives. She shows how writing can be used to give voice to marginalized communities, to challenge stereotypes, and to promote social change. For example, she discusses how students in her writing classes have used writing to challenge racist and sexist stereotypes, to advocate for social justice, and to promote positive change in their communities.

Faez's work is important because it provides a framework for understanding how writing can be used to promote social justice. She offers practical strategies for writers who want to use their writing to make a difference in the world. Composing Difference is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in using writing to create a more just and equitable world.

5. Leader

Rita Faez's leadership in professional organizations is an extension of her commitment to the field of writing studies and her dedication to promoting social justice through writing.

Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC)
Faez is an active member of CCCC, the largest professional organization for teachers of writing. She has served on the CCCC Executive Committee and is currently the Chair of the CCCC Committee on Equity and Inclusion. In these roles, she has worked to promote diversity and inclusion in the field of writing studies and to support the work of writing teachers who are committed to social justice.
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
Faez is also a member of NCTE, the largest professional organization for teachers of English. She has served on the NCTE Executive Committee and is currently the Chair of the NCTE Committee on Teacher Education. In these roles, she has worked to improve the quality of English and to support the work of English teachers who are preparing future generations of students.
Other Leadership Roles
In addition to her work with CCCC and NCTE, Faez has also held leadership positions in other professional organizations, including the College English Association and the Rhetoric Society of America. In these roles, she has worked to promote the field of writing studies and to support the work of writing teachers and scholars.

Faez's leadership in professional organizations has had a significant impact on the field of writing studies. She has helped to shape the direction of the field, to promote diversity and inclusion, and to support the work of writing teachers and scholars who are committed to social justice. Her leadership is an inspiration to others and a testament to her dedication to the field of writing studies.

6. Advocate

Rita Faez is a strong advocate for equity and inclusion in education and the broader community. She believes that everyone deserves access to a quality education and that all voices should be heard and valued. Through her work as a scholar, teacher, and mentor, Faez works to create a more just and equitable world.

Promoting Equity in Education
Faez is committed to promoting equity in education. She believes that all students deserve access to a high-quality education, regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other factors. She works to create inclusive learning environments where all students feel welcome and supported.
Challenging Bias and Discrimination
Faez is also a vocal critic of bias and discrimination in education. She believes that these issues are systemic and that they must be addressed in order to create a more just and equitable society. She works to challenge bias and discrimination in her own teaching and research, and she encourages others to do the same.
Mentoring and Supporting Students from Underrepresented Groups
Faez is a dedicated mentor and supporter of students from underrepresented groups. She believes that these students have valuable perspectives to share and that they should be given the opportunity to succeed. She works to create a supportive environment for these students and to help them reach their full potential.
Engaging with the Broader Community
Faez is also an active member of the broader community. She works with local organizations to promote equity and inclusion. She also writes and speaks about these issues in order to raise awareness and to inspire others to take action.

Rita Faez's advocacy for equity and inclusion is an essential part of her work as a scholar, teacher, and mentor. She believes that everyone deserves access to a quality education and that all voices should be heard and valued. Through her work, she is helping to create a more just and equitable world.

FAQs about Rita Faez

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Rita Faez, her work, and her impact on the field of writing studies and beyond.

Question 1: Who is Rita Faez?

Question 2: What are Rita Faez's research interests?

Rita Faez's research explores the intersections of writing, digital media, and social change. She investigates how these elements interact to shape civic engagement, foster community building, and promote social justice.

Question 3: What are Rita Faez's teaching strengths?

Question 4: What is the significance of Rita Faez's book, Composing Difference?

Question 5: How does Rita Faez contribute to the broader community?

Rita Faez is an advocate for equity and inclusion in education and the broader community. She believes that everyone deserves access to a quality education and that all voices should be heard and valued. Through her work as a scholar, teacher, and mentor, Faez works to create a more just and equitable world.

Rita Faez is a leading scholar, educator, and advocate whose work is making a significant impact on the field of writing studies and beyond. Her commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion is evident in all aspects of her work. She is an inspiration to her students, colleagues, and the broader community.

For more information about Rita Faez, please visit her website at www.ritafaez.com.

Conclusion

Rita Faez is a leading scholar, educator, and advocate whose work is making a significant impact on the field of writing studies and beyond. Her research explores the intersections of writing, digital media, and social change. She is committed to teaching excellence and mentoring students from all backgrounds. Her book, Composing Difference, offers a framework for using writing to challenge dominant narratives and promote social justice. Faez is also a strong advocate for equity and inclusion in education and the broader community. She believes that everyone deserves access to a quality education and that all voices should be heard and valued.

Faez's work is inspiring and thought-provoking. She challenges us to think critically about the role of writing in society and to use our voices to make a difference in the world. She is a role model for scholars, educators, and activists alike. Her work will continue to shape the field of writing studies and beyond for years to come.