William Kist has been researching classroom uses of new media across disciplines and grade levels for over 15 years.  His profiles of teachers who are broadening our conception of literacy were included in his books, New Literacies in Action and The Socially Networked Classroom.  Building upon this work, Dr. Kist’s just-published book, The Global School describes teachers who are using new media to collaborate with students and teachers across the world.

A former high school English teacher and curriculum supervisor and currently an associate professor at Kent State University, Bill has presented nationally and internationally with over 50 articles and book chapters to his credit.  While serving as Director of the Commission on Media for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), he also had the opportunity to be Lead Co-Editor for NCTE’s Pathways for 21 st Century Literacies, an online professional development curriculum focusing on new literacies.  Dr. Kist continues to be sought out for interviews in the press regarding new literacies, including such publications as U.S. News and World Report and Education Week.  A member of the National Book Critics Circle, he reviews books for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and remains active as a filmmaker and musician himself having earned a regional Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music Composition.  Bill’s training as a pianist began at the age of six, under the instruction of well-known local bandleader Ange Lombardi, and continued through graduate school at Kent State where his teacher was Margaret Baxtresser. He currently is studying with Jackie Warren, known as “the first lady of Cleveland jazz.”  Throughout his career as an educator, Bill has remained active as a professional musician.  His original music has been compiled on his album, Movie Music. 

Bill lives in Copley, Ohio with his wife, Stephanie and three children—Mariel, Liam, and Vivienne.