Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness

Teaching Spotlight

My work linking the classroom to community engagement was showcased at the College of DuPage.

In the Fall of 2023 I linked my Composition II course to the Andy Warhol Exhibit hosted by the MAC.

  • View this teaching spotlight on my work here
  • And Look at the results in my student work that was featured here.

Teaching Awards

  • Introductory Composition at Purdue (ICaP) Quintilian Award for Teaching Excellence: awarded to instructors whose evaluations rank in the top 10% of all scores.
  • Teaching Academy and Office of the Provost Award for Exceptional Teaching and Instructional Support during the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • I received a letter from the president of Washtenaw Community College, Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, stating that in the graduate survey, a student named me in an unsolicited and open-ended question asking about what aspect of the college served “as an important catalyst in contributing to students’ educational success.” The student wrote, “Great PowerPoints, lovely personality, understanding.”

Un-edited Compilation of Student Evaluation Comments

ENGLI 1101: Composition I

  • English has never been my favorite subject or class but having you as a teacher has made me enjoy the subject and I always look forward to come into class.
  • Dr. Ortega was the absolute best to study under. She didn’t only teach but she connected with the class as a whole while doing so.
  • Dr. Ortega was amazing. She by far has been the best English teacher I’ve had. She was very attentive and concerned both inside and outside the classroom. I was very comfortable and confident because of her teaching strategy. Thank you, Dr. Ortega!!
  • Best English class I ever had, I like how the essays are broken into smaller pieces during the entire process. I usually have some difficulty with English classes and this one in comparison is at a good pace, the teacher is likable, and I feel pretty good about the essays I’ve written. 
  • Overall this course was absolutely amazing, I had a joy working on the assignment even though I struggled Dr. Ortega was very helpful and corporative when working with me and other students. Which was great especially when it came to life issue that get in the way of school, I am grateful to take this class and am glad that I didn’t struggle to much with this class keep it up Dr. Ortega you’re doing great by your students I hope your proud of you and feel the same way. If I never see you again a hope you have a joyous and fulfilling life.
  • Dr Ortega is one of my favorite English teachers I have had. She made this class (my first college English class) so amazing! She provides many examples and information when explaining the next topic/the topic we are currently on. She is so sweet and understanding, and you can tell she really cares about her students.

ENGLI 1102: Composition II

  • The best English class I have taken in college.
  • One of my favorite and best professors, she was always helpful with assignments and other areas in life, always gave great feedback, and made sure everyone understood what needed to be accomplished. Very organized and was on schedule with every assignment and gave additional time to those who needed it, and extra credit.
  • i took com 102 at a different community college 3 years ago and i was scared to retake it this year but dr. ortega has made explaining this course very very clearly. my old school the teacher made half the class meetings just work time but dr. ortega uses her class time to clearly explain every single subject matter.
  • Professor Ortega is an amazing teacher. I have taken both her ENGLISH 1101, and ENGLISH 1102 class. I’m very happy to say that I lucked out with her being my teacher. Her classes are enthusiastic and very helpful. She understands that students may struggle sometimes, but does all she can to help, and is very empathetic. Professor Ortega is an 11/10 teacher.
  • This professor has been extremely helpful in all assignments. She thoroughly explained every assignment in class and left instructions online as well. She is very open to helping students who may not be able to attend every day and is considerate of everyone’s time. The volume of the courseload is perfect, not overwhelming but still makes you think about what we’re learning on a deeper level. She even provides quick feedback on our writing so that we can improve not only in her class but in our careers as well. She is also extremely kind and makes everyone in the classroom feel comfortable and excited to learn. I would recommend her to students in their first semester of college like me, or those looking to improve their writing skills.
  • I loved this teacher. She was very real and down to earth. She was very understanding, and willing to work with students as unforeseen circumstances came up. Her energetic and funny personality made class fun to be in. I would recommend this teacher to any student looking to take and English class.
  • I really enjoyed this class. My writing improved because of the advice I received from my professor. She helped me think of writing in a way that made sense to me, so now I feel more confident that I can create a better writing piece than before.

ENGLI 1150: Short Fiction

  • She is a fun and engaging professor!
  • amazing, supportive, and engaging professor, as well as just an overall great person

ENGLI 1160: Multicultural Literature (net)

  • Dr. Ortega is an amazing teacher. She is very understanding and accommodating to students!