Academic Programs

Adjunct Stars

Academic Foundations

 Headshot of Anthony Iannelli
Anthony Iannelli

What do you like about teaching? What's your favorite thing about teaching college students?

The part that I like most about teaching is having the opportunity to work with a variety of students from different backgrounds and relating the classroom topics to what is currently going on in a student’s life. My favorite thing about teaching college students is the in classroom discussion about the various topics discussed.

What would your students say about your teaching? How would they describe your class?

My students would say that I am very personable and engaging. They would describe my class as discussion based in where everyone has the opportunity to share their thoughts on the various topics discussed.

How would you describe your approach to teaching? 

My approach to teaching consists of allowing the students to lead the discussion. In addition, I like to engage the class in a variety of activities. No two classes are the same.

What advice do you have for other adjunct faculty?

My best advice is to really focus on how the students in your class learn best. There have been many times where I have adjusted my activities in my class to fit the different learning styles of the students. In addition, it is always good to get feedback from the students throughout the semester about what they like about the class, what they would like to see improved and what they would still like to learn. Also, time management is key when balancing out responsibilities from your full time job, teaching and other life activities.

 Headshot of Alicia Savage

Alicia Savage

What do you like about teaching? What's your favorite thing about teaching college students?

I like being able to share information that I have come to learn is important to personal development. I believe the sharing of accurate information better equips communities to make positive decisions and affect overall change. Teaching college students is always fun. The minute the light bulb of interdisciplinary thinking turns on, I get to witness the awakening of a student who realizes how all things are connected and where they can make an impact.

What would your students say about your teaching? How would they describe your class?

Students would say my teaching is energetic and interactive. They would describe my class as a continuous “mind-blown” experience where their cumulative learning actually makes sense.

How would you describe your approach to teaching? 

I approach teaching by focusing on the fact that my students are human, and thinking about how the content I am delivering to them can assist in their overall growth. I also make sure they understand what I would like them to take away from each lesson.

What advice do you have for other adjunct faculty?

Make technology a classroom norm. Remind your students of why the content is important and how it plays into the bigger picture for themselves or society. Have fun!

 Headshot of Zulmaly Ramirez

Zulmaly Ramirez

What do you like about teaching? What's your favorite thing about teaching college students?

I like knowing that my work has a purpose. Seeing students grow in knowledge, confidence, and skills provide joy and satisfaction. My favorite thing about teaching is connecting with students and creating a meaningful relationships.

What would your students say about your teaching? How would they describe your class?

Students may say the class is interactive and there is an open line of communication. I like to keep the class engaged, thus I try different activities to keep them motivated.

How would you describe your approach to teaching? 

We utilize a flip classroom approach. As we meet, we have class discussion on the topic at hand and group activities to encourage a conversation between students. I also like to integrate cooperative learning, as students can work together and share ideas.

What advice do you have for other adjunct faculty?

Be open with your students and pay attention to their needs. A little goes a long way!

BGS/BSAS Capstone

 

Chandra Davis

What do you like about teaching? What's your favorite thing about teaching college students?

EVERYTHING! I don’t like but I love everything about teaching. I love helping my students succeed, I truly enjoy connecting with the students and seeing them grow and change over a semester, it is truly amazing, the transformation that can happen with a student over one semester is astounding, and I am grateful to be just a small part of their college experience. Being able to make a difference in their student experience has been extremely rewarding for me. When I see my students on campus two or three semesters after taking my course and they see me and are super excited to tell me how far they have come and how well they are doing, and thank me, that is the most rewarding part of teaching and my favorite thing about teaching college students.

What would your students say about your teaching? How would they describe your class?

My students would say I am a passionate and knowledgeable. I believe they would describe my courses as meaningful and supportive. My students would describe me as caring and my classes as helpful and maybe a little fun.

How would you describe your approach to teaching? 

I have a very student centered approach when it comes to teaching. I always consider what is in the best interest of the student. It is important for me to make sure that I am providing my students with the best education possible and because of this I take my role as their instructor very serious. I take time to get to know my students and come up with ways to best facilitate learning. One student may understand something right away, another student may have some difficulty, I adjust according to the needs of my students. I try to make a connections with my students on a human level, demonstrating to them that I care about their educational experience and I truly want them to succeed.

What advice do you have for other adjunct faculty?

Get to know your students, listen to their needs and concerns. Also, try to make the learning fun by using different methods of instruction.