Professorial
Michelle keeps reminding me of a couple blog posts I need to write. The first is about a new opportunity I have this year to teach a college writing course. Through one of my Michelle's friends I found out that one of the small colleges in town, Broadview University, was looking for composition instructors. I applied, went in for an interview and to teach a sample class, and got offered the job.
I'm scrambling a bit this quarter to develop lesson plans and figure out what works and what doesn't, but so far I'm really enjoying it. The schedule works out well - I leave work a bit early on Tuesdays and Thursdays and teach from 4:00 to 5:45, and since I have to drive those days, make it home about 6:30.
To be honest, I was a bit wary of throwing my hat in with a for-profit, or "proprietary," university, because they don't always have the best reputation. But Broadview seems to be doing it right. They're up-front about the fact that it costs a lot for students to attend, and they do their best to add value that, say, a community college doesn't provide, like smaller classes, more personalized classes and services, good job placement, a little more hand-holding, etc. For the most part, the student body is made up of first-generation college goers who have slipped through the cracks at more traditional schools and are looking for a second chance. They work day jobs and night jobs and squeeze school somewhere in between.
The 12 students in my class are awesome. They're engaged, their earnest about learning, they participate in class discussions and do their homework. It's been really fun teaching them the ins and outs of writing.
I'm scrambling a bit this quarter to develop lesson plans and figure out what works and what doesn't, but so far I'm really enjoying it. The schedule works out well - I leave work a bit early on Tuesdays and Thursdays and teach from 4:00 to 5:45, and since I have to drive those days, make it home about 6:30.
To be honest, I was a bit wary of throwing my hat in with a for-profit, or "proprietary," university, because they don't always have the best reputation. But Broadview seems to be doing it right. They're up-front about the fact that it costs a lot for students to attend, and they do their best to add value that, say, a community college doesn't provide, like smaller classes, more personalized classes and services, good job placement, a little more hand-holding, etc. For the most part, the student body is made up of first-generation college goers who have slipped through the cracks at more traditional schools and are looking for a second chance. They work day jobs and night jobs and squeeze school somewhere in between.
The 12 students in my class are awesome. They're engaged, their earnest about learning, they participate in class discussions and do their homework. It's been really fun teaching them the ins and outs of writing.
Such a cool opportunity! I'm sure you are a really great teacher.
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