Dr. Whitney Kosters

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, recently said the skills that guarantee opportunity are critical thinking, emotional intelligence, communication, and writing. Notice what isn’t on that list? Using AI.

This is exactly why I teach students we cannot outsource thinking: tools can generate words, but they cannot exercise judgment. Critical thinking is the real competitive advantage. Not sure how to start critically think? Watch my lecture here: https://youtu.be/J8ihDqiGf34

2 months ago | [YT] | 4

Dr. Whitney Kosters

If you are an ESL learner, give yourself some grace and encouragement! In your experience, what is the most challenging thing about learning English?

6 months ago | [YT] | 6

Dr. Whitney Kosters

6 months ago | [YT] | 9

Dr. Whitney Kosters

Standing in front of Edinburgh’s Gothic ‘rocket’—the Scott Monument, the world’s largest tribute to a writer—where Walter Scott’s words live in stone. Fun fact: its 200-foot spire holds 64 carved characters from his novels, and climbing the narrow steps gives you sweeping city views. If you could climb a monument dedicated to any author, whom would you choose?

8 months ago | [YT] | 8

Dr. Whitney Kosters

In my lecture on “The Giving Tree,” I propose that the boy may be taking advantage of the tree’s generosity, and that the tree itself could be seen as an enabler. Naturally, interpretations of this story vary. What are your thoughts on this revised narrative depicted in the image?
Link to lecture: https://youtu.be/PgsJ98Nsthk?si=4VMx7...

#TheGivingTree #ShelSilverstein #Boundaries #LiteraryAnalysis #EnglishLecture #ClassicLiterature #BookTalk #TreeOfBoundaries #Interpretations #LiteraryDiscussion #TeachingLiterature #BookCommunity #LifeLessons #ModernInterpretation #ChildrensBooks #EnglishProfessor

11 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 4

Dr. Whitney Kosters

Teachers and literature lovers—
I just released a full, comprehensive teaching guide for “The Yellow Wallpaper,” designed for AP Lit and college classrooms.

It includes everything I wish I had had when I first taught this story—

– Literary theory (feminist and psychoanalytic)
– Trauma-informed teaching strategies
– Historical and cultural context
– Writing prompts and assessments
– Close reading tools
– Interdisciplinary extensions
– A flexible unit plan designed by a professor who actually teaches this story in real classrooms

This guide goes far beyond symbolism and plot. It helps students engage deeply with questions about identity, agency, gender, and mental health—all through a structured, thoughtful, discussion-ready lens.

Perfect for AP Lit teachers, college instructors, grad students, or anyone ready to teach this story with depth and clarity.

Download it here: whitneykoster.gumroad.com/l/kxetfj?_gl=1*1bj4ehm*_….

(And yes—it pairs beautifully with my “Goblin Market” guide if you’re building a unit around gender, madness, feminism, or resistance.)

I’ll be releasing more teaching guides soon on a wide variety of texts, so check back often on YouTube (youtube.com/@UCwroIJz_not_BiNy2RbRIQQ)

OR just search my library of teaching guides here if you’re building out your curriculum or looking for new inspiration:

Gumroad (gumroad.com/products)

Teachers pay Teachers (www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/dr-whitney-koste…)

Let me know if you use it—I love seeing how these texts come alive in other classrooms!

#theyellowwallpaper #englishteacher #aplit #literatureclass #teachingresources #collegeinstructor #usergeneratedcontent #feministliterature

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 5

Dr. Whitney Kosters

Just published!! My complete "_Goblin Market_ Teaching Guide" for university and AP Lit educators
This high-level resource is built for deep literary analysis through multiple lenses—Christian allegory, feminism, queer theory, and Marxist critique. Perfect for college classrooms, honors courses, and AP English Lit units. Includes full unit plans, lesson sequences, essay prompts, group activities, and an adaptable assessment toolkit.

If you teach Rossetti—or want to—this guide has everything you need to lead a transformative, theory-rich unit that goes far beyond summary.

Now available here: whitneykoster.gumroad.com/l/vgpwry


And if you want a preview, I’ve got a full Goblin Market lecture up on my YouTube channel for free: https://youtu.be/x3LeoNWbyeo?si=yRhLZ...


I'll be releasing more teaching and study guides for frequently taught classics—so be sure to subscribe and check back if you teach literature, or follow along if you're a student who loves deep analysis. More coming soon!

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 8

Dr. Whitney Kosters

Visited the New York Public Library for the first time. Did you know…

1. The Famous Lions Have Names and Nicknames

The two iconic stone lions at the entrance of the library’s main branch on Fifth Avenue are named Patience and Fortitude.
Mayor Fiorello La Guardia gave them these names during the Great Depression to symbolize the qualities New Yorkers needed to overcome adversity.
They were originally nicknamed "Leo Astor" and "Leo Lenox" after the library's founders, John Jacob Astor and James Lenox.

2. It Houses a Rare Copy of the Gutenberg Bible

The NYPL owns one of the 49 surviving copies of the Gutenberg Bible, printed around 1455. It’s on permanent display at the Schwarzman Building and is one of the library’s most treasured possessions.

3. The Stacks Are Hidden Below Bryant Park

Beneath Bryant Park, right behind the main library, lies an underground storage area with millions of books. This space, spanning several levels, connects directly to the library.

4. It’s the Second Largest Library System in the U.S.

The NYPL holds over 55 million items, making it second only to the Library of Congress. It’s also the third-largest library system in the world!

5. Carrie Bradshaw Couldn’t Actually Get Married There

In Sex and the City: The Movie, Carrie planned to marry Big in the library’s iconic Rose Main Reading Room. While the scene made for great cinema, the NYPL doesn’t allow private events like weddings in the Rose Room.

6. There’s a Time Capsule in the Cornerstone

When the Schwarzman Building was constructed in 1902, a time capsule was placed in the cornerstone. It contains copies of local newspapers and the library's plans. It remains sealed to this day.

7. The Ghostbusters Connection

The opening scene of the 1984 movie Ghostbusters was filmed at the NYPL. While the library’s main reading rooms were used for exterior shots, the ghostly basement scenes were filmed on a soundstage.

8. Free Programs and Resources Galore

Most people know about the books, but the library also offers free programs, from language classes and computer training to author talks and film screenings.

9. It Owns a Lock of Walt Whitman’s Hair

Among its quirky artifacts is a lock of the poet Walt Whitman’s hair, preserved as part of its special collections.

10. The Schwarzman Building Was Almost Demolished

In the 1970s, there was a proposal to demolish the main building and replace it with a modern high-rise. Public outcry saved it, and it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

11. It’s Home to Winnie-the-Pooh

The original plush toys that inspired A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh characters are housed in the NYPL's Children’s Center. They include Winnie, Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga, and Piglet.

12. The Library Once Loaned Out Art

In the 1950s, the NYPL ran an "art lending service" where patrons could borrow paintings, lithographs, and other artwork for a small fee.

13. The Reading Room is Enormous

The Rose Main Reading Room spans nearly two city blocks and is one of the largest public indoor spaces in New York City. It reopened in 2016 after a major renovation.

14. The Library Started as a Marriage of Two Collections

The NYPL was formed in 1895 by combining the collections of the Astor and Lenox Libraries and the Tilden Trust.

15. It's One of the First Places to Have Air Conditioning

When the Schwarzman Building opened in 1911, it had one of the first central air-conditioning systems in the city to protect books from heat and humidity.

1 year ago | [YT] | 11

Dr. Whitney Kosters

Had a chance to sit down with the great Hans Christian Andersen in New York a couple weeks ago. 📖

1 year ago | [YT] | 8

Dr. Whitney Kosters

Took a break from reading and lecturing tonight, but not for long. What should I make a video on next??

Follow me on YouTube @drwhitneykosters to listen to popular audiobooks and to learn important info on classic literature and the fundamentals of writing and research! 📚📖

2 years ago | [YT] | 9