Classwork: This time is for preparing lessons, practicing how they will be executed, writing feedback for assignments, and setting up content in the learning management system. Even though I have teaching a version of this course for 10 or so years, there is always something to revise and improve.
Connection: Catching up with students, mentors and colleagues helps me stay grounded and focused on why I continue teaching. For my office hours, I usually hang out in the library for my office hours, since most students (should!) know where it is. Most of the time, students come to talk about assignments. Occasionally, though, a student sticks around to ask for advice or just chat about issues that they are thinking about. It’s always a privilege when someone trusts me with part of their story and stays in touch after they are done with my class. So many have gone on to do amazing things!
Create: In order for me to become a better teacher and thinker, I take training courses that my university offers as read books and articles that are related to my disciplines (communication, Middle East studies, teaching methods). I also write outlines of articles I would like to submit for publication one day!
ADVICE
Part of getting here is committing to your studies—ask yourself if you really want to spend anywhere from 3-7 years (or more) studying a very specific topic. Ask professors about graduate programs and to connect you with colleagues from other universities who might give insight on particular programs and offer opportunities at conferences.
BOOK or MOVIE
If I have to choose one, it would be one of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s memoirs, Madam Secretary. I loved how she wrote candidly about interactions with foreign leaders as well as breaking down the complex decisions behind foreign policy. But her descriptions of teaching at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University inspired me most. What female student wouldn’t appreciate her brilliant professor prodding and encouraging her to speak up often and more forcefully in class? Her influence on foreign policy extended through the countless students who would become our nation’s representatives around the world.
Secretary Albright’s story reminds me that the students who come through my classroom will impact their communities, in ways big and small. I owe it to them—and to my community—to be a teacher who challenges them to think well and encourages them to use their gifts to benefit others.
INTERNSHIPS?
While my university doesn’t have opportunities for internships, I would be happy to connect you with colleagues in different departments for informational interviews.
But wait, there is more– the other job I do does offer internships! I am the internship manager for the Chelsea Music Festival, a multi-disciplinary, week-long series of events that feature the interplay between music, visual art, and food. We normally are in New York City every summer, but as of this writing (May 2020), the Festival won’t be taking place physically. Instead, we are rolling out digital content during the scheduled dates of the Festival (June 19 – 27) and through the end of the year. I would be delighted to talk about opportunities for shadowing for anyone who is interested in marketing, publicity, digital design, and arts administration. Please connect with me at volunteer.cmf@gmail.com and check out our website (chelseamusicfestival.org), Facebook (@chelseaMusicFestival), Instagram (@cmf_nyc), and YouTube page (@ChelseaMusicFestNYC).
