Mitchel develops courses centered on how literature can be viewed through the lens of social change. He focuses on themes of linguistic discrimination and how the language we use furthers the oppression of minority groups within society. Mitchel's goal is to enable students to have the skills to check their own linguistic biases and engage in constructive conversations surrounding privilege, oppression and identity.

the Poetics Lab facilitates inclusive spaces for communities to engage with identity through poetry and performance of the self. 

Participants will in this program will:

1. Explore language’s importance in forming identity

2. Gain insight into the creative process of writing poetry

3. Engage with their community through performance
    

Mitchel's philosophy on theatre is that it is truly a community event. Collaboration is key to make a production run smoothly, and he facilitated a space where adult mentors, student leaders and student crew members all had a say in what was happening. Mitchel advocates for his students' ideas and welcomes students to take initiative, no matter their role.

Mitchel assisted University of Michigan students as they developed and produced large-scale mobile sculptures for the FoolMoon and FestiFools celebrations in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He also coordinated with community partners and volunteers and worked in partnership with the Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts program to aid in the preparations for the events.