Degrees

MA, Linguistics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
BA, Spanish (Honors), Art History, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Areas of Research and Teaching

Writing Center Theory, Practice and Administration
Tutoring and Retention
Introductory Writing

Other Relevant Activities

Mentor, International Writing Center Association Mentor Match Program
Coordinator, Wisconsin State Writing Center Consortium
Co-founder, Milwaukee Writing Center Consortium
Manuscript reviewer, Writing Lab Newsletter
Former Coordinator, English Proficiency Exam, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Awards and Honors

2018 Robert Marrs Award, Midwest Writing Center Association
Award for Teaching Excellence, English Department

Presentations

“Writing Center Strategies for Teachers.” M³ (M-cubed) English Language Arts Professional Development Plan, a joint MPS/MATC/UWM event. Milwaukee Area Technical College, February, 2020.

“Developing a (Writing) Habit.” Preparing Future Faculty & Professionals Series. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, February 2018.

“Two-way Mirror: What Directors & Tutors Learn from the Hiring Process.” 2017 International Writing Center Association Conference, Chicago, November 2017.

“What I Really Want is to Direct! Revising Identity from Tutor to Administrator.” 2017 National Conference on Peer Tutoring in Writing, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York. October 2017.

“Teacher, Administrator, Mentor, Boss: Navigating Amongst Directors’ Roles.” International Writing Center Association Conference, Denver, October, 2016.

“The Motivation Equation: Creating a Writing Center Culture.” Madison Area Writing Center Colloquium, University of Wisconsin-Madison, November, 2014.

“Hitting the Pedagogical Target: Closer, Faster & Better: Online Tutor Training” (with Joshua Worsham). International Writing Center Association, Orlando, October, 2014.

“What Can Writing Centers Show Us About Mindful Teaching?” University of Wisconsin System Office of Professional and Instructional Development Conference. Green Lake, WI. April, 2014.

“Window of Opportunity: Looking Closer (and Faster) at Online Sessions” (with Joshua Worsham). Midwest Writing Center Association Conference. Chicago, October, 2013.

“Tutors Research: Within Writing Centers and Beyond.” Event sponsor and presenter. Milwaukee Writing Center Consortium. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, April, 2013.

“Writing Center Tutoring: Help at Every Stage of the Process.” Wisconsin Learning Assistance Network Conference. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, April, 2013.

“What’s New? What’s Cool? Experimenting with Programs in the Writing Center.” Madison Area Writing Center Colloquium. University of Wisconsin-Madison. March, 2013.

“Video Archiving ‘What They Take With Them’: Sharing Tutors’ Own Words” (with Kate Price). National Conference on Peer Tutoring in Writing, Chicago. November, 2012.

“Research on Tutor Learning and Tutor Alumni.” Madison Area Writing Center Colloquium. University of Wisconsin- Madison. February, 2012.

“The Writing Center: A Critical Isthmus for Basic Writers?” (with Paige Conley). Midwest Writing Center Association Conference. University of Wisconsin-Madison, October, 2011.

“All Writers Need Readers.” Keynote address. Virginia Burke Writing Awards Ceremony, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. April, 2011.

“Paths to a New Writing Center: Proposing, Politicking, Planning and Persevering.” Madison Area Writing Center Colloquium. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. May, 2011.

“Bad News is Good News: Celebrating the Hard Stuff.” Chicagoland Writing Center Conference. DePaul University. Chicago. February, 2010.

Recent Publications

Mika, Margaret, and Harrigan, Dan. 'Searching for a Writing Center Assistant Coordinator: 1 Job, 2 Views, 8 Months'. Another Word, 2017.

Mika, Margaret. “Talking in Another Middle.” Writing Lab Newsletter 32.1. (2007).

Mika, Margaret. “WCOnline: A Review.” Writing Lab Newsletter 29.5. (2005).