For over 40 years, Dr. Toni Sills Briegel has worked in education. Having at times served as a writer, a poet, an editor, and an actor, her career is a living testament to teaching and helping others grow intellectually. As editor-in-chief at Prose and Polish Editing, she uses her extensive experience to help craft engaging stories and improve others’ efforts. Her work reflects a deep-seated belief in constant learning and effective communication.
A Foundation in Academia
Dr. Briegel’s academic life spans many years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, with minors in journalism and psychology, from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1973, a Master of Education as a reading specialist from the University of Central Arkansas in 1977, and a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction from the University of Arkansas in 1989. She was an associate professor at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates and at Missouri State University, an assistant professor at Murray State University, and a visiting professor at Tulane University.
Early in her career, Dr. Briegel taught middle school for 14 years in Russellville, Arkansas, working with Clark County Schools. She feels her various experiences in education have given her a solid foundation and a broad understanding of different teaching methods. A notable part of her academic career was the 14 years she spent in the United Arab Emirates, where she taught Arab women at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and found inspiration for her poetry books.
Journey to the World of Words
In 2015, Dr. Briegel moved into the editing world. She founded Prose and Polish Editing, and as its editor-in-chief, she now oversees the refinement of different texts and applies her skills in editing and indexing.
Dr. Briegel is continuing her long connection to the written word, a passion she developed early on in her life. She credits her strong, can-do character to her father, who taught her to be independent and to face challenges head-on. Her approach has led her to always embrace new opportunities, and she believes deeply that effort brings about results and forges a more determined spirit.
A Passion for Creative Work
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Briegel is also an author and an actor. She has written two novelettes for teenagers (T.M. Sills) and is currently working on a third. She has also published two poetry books inspired by her time in the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Briegel notes that her creative work lets her mind explore fantasies and stories without the often-strict rules associated with academic writing. She remembers realizing her talent for poetry in ninth-grade science class, a moment that showed her how her creative flow works. In her acting career, she has had roles in “Grandma’s Cookies,” The Factory,” and numerous background parts.
Mentorship, Global Travel, and the Future
Throughout her career, Dr. Briegel has always considered her role as a mentor and teacher to be her most important calling, and she values the positive impact she has had on her many students.
Dr. Briegel attended sixth and seventh grades at the Tehran American School in Iran and graduated from high school in Izmir, Turkey. Her experiences as an army brat led to a lifelong love of traveling and exploring other cultures. She has visited over 60 countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and even the north side of Mount Everest. Among her travels, India remains her favorite, as she appreciates its unique culture. Her personal life adventures have given her a unique perspective on the world and inspired many of her creative and professional pursuits.
Looking to the future, Dr. Briegel plans to continue editing, writing, and acting from her new home in Dardanelle, Arkansas, where she is always seeking ways to continue to make positive impacts through her contributions.
