Two Teachers, One Belief: Learning Happens When It's Personal

Dismantling the myth of the "natural" writer

Matthias Regan doesn't believe in natural writing skill.

"None of us are born with talent for writing because such a talent doesn't exist," he said. "Our ability to write-and all that comes with it, including access to our own thoughts and feelings-is entirely educational."

This perspective, that the ability to write well is an essential skill that develops through thoughtful repetition, defies the notion that some people are just naturally gifted writers. Instead, Regan strongly believes that writing is a technology learned through practice, revision, and the nurture of a good teacher.

In teaching WRTG 111, Foundations of Writing and Communication, and WRTG 391, Advanced Research Writing, Regan sees learners from every undergraduate UMGC degree program in his classes. His job, as he sees it, is to help learners develop the capacity to evaluate and edit their own work: to become not just better writers, but more self-sufficient ones.

What this looks like in practice, according to one student nominator, who asked to remain anonymous, is "a learning environment grounded on open dialogue, mutual respect, and intellectual curiosity."

When the student struggled to connect complex literary theory to real-world applications, Regan made himself available beyond regular office hours and provided feedback tailored to the student's individual writing style. In a separate encounter, Regan took time to understand the student's professional background and goals, then adapted the lesson to reframe and connect classical literature in a way the student could appreciate.

"Dr. Regan's approach made learning a dynamic and joyful pursuit, leaving a lasting impact on my academic journey," the student wrote.

Outside of the classroom, Regan is currently engaged in a UMGC pilot program examining the integration of AI into the teaching space. Coincidentally, while a graduate student at University of Chicago, Regan helped test an early AI model for collaborative poetry composition, Gnoetry, which became foundational for current-day applications. He also participated in an earlier pilot program on labor-based writing, an approach that rewards diligence, effort, and risk-taking in writing improvement, and noted that he was drawn to UMGC because of the institution's emphasis on drafting and frequent revision. Above all, he celebrates "the hard work and true pleasure that awaits those who would empower themselves with the written word."