CWU alum balances teaching, leadership, and authorship

As a high school educator, student leadership advisor, and published author, Central Washington University alumnus Spencer Virden is proof that lifelong learning can lead to lifelong impact.

Since graduating from CWU in 2019 with a degree in English and language arts teaching, Virden has dedicated his career to empowering students across Washington state—both in and beyond the classroom.

Currently shaping young minds as a sophomore honors English teacher in the Renton School District, his path into the education field started long before his first day in front of a class.

When Virden was choosing where to go to college, he turned to those in his family who had attended college before him with positive experiences, and that led him to one place.

“Central Washington University believed in the importance of family connections and long-lasting relationships,” he said. “My aunt, cousins, and sister all went to CWU, and I knew I’d feel supported in every venture there.”

That support extended to professors who saw Virden’s potential and encouraged him to use his voice.

Dr. Bobby Cummings, his teaching mentor and advisor, provided critical guidance during his final year. Meanwhile, Professor Maya Jewell Zeller inspired him to submit work to CWU’s literary journal Manastash, which published his poetry in 2017.

That early validation helped fuel his passion for writing—a passion that would eventually lead to the release of his debut book, Left in Philadelphia.

The road to becoming a published author wasn’t easy, however.

“The process is long and tedious,” he said. “You have to advocate for yourself at every turn.”

He navigated the complexities of publishing, from querying agents and publishers to editing and designing covers, largely on his own. Virden eventually signed with local publisher Kitsap Publishing, which believed in his story and partnered with him to bring it to life.

“I am so pleased that I was picked up by a local publisher who believed in me and my story,” Virden said. “Kitsap Publishing has done so much for me but also has learned alongside me, and I am so grateful to them for that.”

Much of his work that helped him develop into a published author also informs how he teaches.

“I try to incorporate writing opportunities as much as possible for my classes because I want to inspire them and instill in them that everyone's voice is valuable and capable of having such a great impact,” Virden said.

Every November, he invites students to take part in a bold challenge: write 50,000 words in 30 days.

“This challenge is one that is so beautiful to me because it reminds me that even with all of the challenges in our world, seeing my students sit down and work toward a common goal that is going to innately impact their future for the better—and to see them succeed—is incredible,” Virden said.

In his role as a teacher, Virden is shaping young minds and pushing students to explore the different ways they can expand their skillsets and become leaders. By teaching the next generation, he is also filling a crucial role that the state desperately needs.

According to the Washington State Professional Educator Standard Board (PESB), the educator shortage is a critical issue and it impacts almost every aspect of the education system in Washington.

While the state is actively working to address its educator shortage through expanded teacher preparation programs at universities like CWU, Virden is well aware of the challenges that still exist in the field.

“The teacher shortage is incredibly concerning for a multitude of reasons,” he said. “We need more teachers in all schools nationwide as much as we need support staff, administration, counselors, and all other professionals working in and for our school districts.”

Through his years of filling this void, Virden has taught sixth grade honors English, marketing, and film studies. He has also been a literacy and reading interventionist and ran student leadership programs, including ASB.

All of this a testament to his continuous pursuit of his own education. Looking toward the future, Virden has his sights set high. In addition to teaching, he is already brainstorming a second book—one that’s “vastly different” from his first.

“It is my biggest dream in life to be published by one of the Big Five publishing houses, so wish me luck,” he said.