February 7, 2016 Reflecting and Teaching

Time to reflect on 2015 while we do our taxes in this sweet month of anticipating Spring.
I spent some time reviewing my college teaching and compiling statistics while weeding through my paperwork.  Over the last 8 years, I have designed and taught 90 business college courses, for a total of 268 credits and 2,345 students, primarily online, and primarily as an adjunct Associate Professor.  I find joy in learning, researching and sharing what I have learned.   This is my part-time job but it is an important one.  They say 80% of the community college teachers in VA are adjuncts.   How times have changed.

I believe it is so valuable for students to have the advantage of an educator who has been in the real world of business.  There is something to be said about positioning yourself in the mentor, coach and teaching roles after serving as a leader and an executive for many years.  It exhilarates you and motivates you to keep your mind sharp and to keep you on your toes.  Today's students are exposed to the world at a much younger age and thinking globally is becoming common.  Having real world applications and first hand knowledge in the classroom engages and motivates students.   My hope is to continue to educate and be a positive influence on others so that they see the challenges in front of them as opportunities that can be overcome.  It is time to write about my journey.