The Teaching Life
Still a Teacher at Heart
During the years I studied sociology, I encountered a variety of theories about aging. The one that always made the most sense to me was called continuity theory which posits that as people age, they maintain ties with their past interests and passions. In essence, they remain who they always were. So, for example, it’s…
Read MoreAdjunct Teaching: The Revolving Door
My first hint that my adjunct office buddy had departed came the week before fall semester when he wasn’t at the back-to-school faculty conference. We were among the handful of adjuncts who were regulars at these things—eager to gain some teaching tips and inspiration while enjoying some camaraderie with other folks on campus. By…
Read MoreEnd-of-Summer Musings
I admit it. I’m having grandchild withdrawal! I spent a wonderful two weeks hosting our Colorado family and three grandkids and then was off for two and a half weeks visiting our NYC grandkids, including our latest precious addition. Edie Lou arrived on Sunday, July 22, weighing nearly nine pounds! She joins big brother Milo.…
Read MoreFeeling Thankful
I’ve been having one of those weeks where I felt like yelling out, “Bah, Humbug!” every five minutes. I’d broken out in some horrible itchy rash that hadn’t responded to the steroid meds the doctor assured me would kick in immediately. Not only do I look like crap, but I feel like total crap! Meantime,…
Read MoreKeynoting It!
Last week was spring break, and I holed up for days getting ready for a keynote presentation I’m doing this coming Saturday for an adjunct scholars’ conference at Indiana University Southeast. My topic is: “Building Strong Student-Teacher Relationships and a Positive Classroom Climate.” I’m actually somewhat of an accidental keynote speaker. I submitted this…
Read MoreWrestling Coach Wisdom
The other night, I attended a ceremony honoring a neighboring city’s eighth grade student wrestlers, including my grandson. The veteran high school coach was the guest speaker and made a big pitch to the students to enroll in the local high school and continue wrestling. He trotted out seniors from his team who’d excelled…
Read MoreEnd-of-Semester Blues
It’s the last week of the semester, and my college students stare at me bleary-eyed. Loaded down with upcoming exams and final projects, sleep is definitely high on their wish list for the holiday break. “I just want it to be over,” one of my students told me. “I am so freakin’ tired!” …
Read MoreStudents Say the Darndest Things
Don’t get me wrong. In years of teaching dance, writing, public speaking, and sociology, I’ve had some fabulous students and some deeply appreciative ones. In May, I got a note from one of my writing students that didn’t just make my day. It made my year.
Read MoreA Teacher at Heart
The other day, I was flipping through my old high school yearbook. There I stood in the back row
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