Tia Collins

I am a former public speaking instructor with 5 years of experience in the classroom at Bradley University and 5.5 years working with their competitive speech team. There, I earned my Master's in English with a focus on Writing Composition, and my studies included projects in comparative literature, African-American literature, poetry, and fiction. I am currently the Head of Debate, Head of Limited Preparation, and Curriculum Coordinator for the University of Illinois at Chicago, where I run their debate team, support their speech team, and create and organize curriculum material for coaching and instruction. 

University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, IL

Head of Debate and Curriculum Specialist
Aug 2024 – Present

• Designed and implemented curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, argumentation, and effective communication.
• Mentored students in developing academic writing skills, fostering their ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Led workshops on research techniques, rhetorical strategies, and academic writing best practices.

Bradley University – Peoria, IL

Instructor of Speech Communication
Aug 2019 – Aug 2024

• Taught English-focused communication courses, including elements of rhetoric, grammar, and composition.
• Created lesson plans that integrated creative and academic writing principles with oral communication techniques.
• Provided detailed feedback on essays, research papers, and presentations to improve students' analytical and writing abilities.

Assistant Speech Coach

• Guided students in crafting and revising speeches, with a focus on clarity, organization, and style.
• Mentored students in researching and drafting persuasive writing projects, resulting in multiple national accolades.

Advantage Communication – Santa Ana, CA and Peoria, IL

Part-Time Coach
July 2022 – Present

• Designed and facilitated workshops on writing and communication for underrepresented student populations.
• Assisted students in developing compelling narratives and improving their grammar, syntax, and editing skills.

Master of Arts, English – Writing Composition
Bradley University – Peoria, IL, 2023

Bachelor of Science, Organizational and Leadership Communication
Illinois State University – Normal, IL, 2018

Associate of Arts, General Studies
College of DuPage – Glen Ellyn, IL, 2016