Recently I was asked by a local college to teach a faculty development workshop for part-time instructors. I eagerly agreed, and the entire event was everything I’d hoped it would be. As a group, we all shared our best kept teaching secrets, and many of those ‘secrets’ had to do with time management, so I…
Let’s talk about adding some spice to the college classroom. No, I’m not talking about a tasty fall treat, although I’m sure I’ll hear plenty of holiday-themed speeches this semester (and I’d bet money someone might even give a speech about Pumpkin Spice Lattes). I’m talking about making changes to my Public Speaking course to…
I’ve been stumbling upon some great reasons to be an adjunct instructor lately. I think, now more than ever, that it’s a viable makeshift career path that can leave teachers with options and flexibility. Here’s why: 1.You have leverage. When you’re finally offered that full-time job, I encourage you to ask if you can keep…
If you’re in higher education, stop what you’re doing and listen to The Scholarpreneur podcast. Scott Rank has done a great job of getting insightful and untraditional academics involved in his website and podcast. From former tenured professors who now own thriving businesses, to adjuncts who now have their own clients and classes for purchase,…
“ I currently teach full-time in Orlando, Florida, and I own a Human Communication Consulting business. I’m also writing a book for recent STEM graduates entering the workforce that’s a hybrid between a textbook and a self-help book. It’s about transferring public speaking soft skills from the classroom to the workplace. I’ve held many teaching…
Have you ever wondered why so many teachers seem so happy? Or maybe you’ve had your own incredible journey as an educator. Many will tell you that it’s not just about teaching, it’s about the learning that happens, the inspiration that can come from the classroom, and the people one meets. For some time I’ve…
I’ve been camped out on my living room couch for most of the summer, writing, reading, and sleeping longer hours than normal. A needed respite, and a much-appreciated perk of having summers off. Yesterday, however, marked a return to campus to teach a 6-week-long Summer class at my usual 8 am time. Despite having to…
I love it when the faculty development courses I take during the summer not only help me to teach classes more effectively and understand more about technology, but also help me with what my friends have lovingly deemed my “side hustle” (a.k.a. writing, blogging, and working on the Happy Professor brand). It seems everyone has…
It’s been in the works for a while. I had the urge to write another book, and the urge to add a new element to my public speaking courses. Then it occurred to me that I could do both at the same time. The 3-Step Speech: How to Build a Message, Feel Confident, and Have…
As a student, did you ever Christmas tree a test (ie. choose answers at random so your scantron bubbles took the shape of an evergreen) and receive a decent score for not knowing much of anything? Did you ever finish a course at the end of the semester and wipe your brain clean of all…