Learning From Students, Peers Will Benefit Philadelphia Educators
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, postsecondary professors command a high salary, and employment growth in this field is expected to grow 19 percent. Theresa Groody, is the director of professional studies at Harcum College, and a member of Harcum's adjunct dental faculty, with more than 30 years of educator experience. She discusses the role of higher education in the field of teaching.
What is the most challenging aspect of teaching?
"The best teacher of any age or subject matter is one who can 'read' their students. I take some time to learn what each student brings to the class, including life and professional experience and learning habits. I can be more effective teaching if I know where everyone is starting; then, the challenge is to reach all those different levels."
Do you have any advice for people wanting to enter into the teaching profession?
"The most humble educators admit that 'they don't know what they don't know.' No matter how educated one becomes, there is room to learn every day. Admitting that we can learn from our students as well as our peers creates an honest, mutually respectful environment where true learning takes place. Technology is now guiding the world, and either we embrace this exciting change as a profession or we could likely be surpassed by those we are attempting to teach."
Are continuing education courses beneficial for teachers?
"Keeping abreast of advances in technology is essential for instructors teaching any level and/or subject. At Harcum, most majors lead to jobs, utilizing at least some form of digital/virtual photography, radiology, scanning, documentation, CAD-CAM products, etc.; therefore, faculty needs to master these changes first. As a dental instructor, I attend courses regularly to keep current on advances in materials and procedures. Graduates familiar with these advances are more successful with finding employment. In my role as Director of Professional Studies, I see the benefits of continuing education for all professions."
Do you feel a master's degree would be helpful in your day-to-day career?
"My master's degree in instructional technology has made me a more effective teacher. I use technology in my classes as well as teach Harcum students how to use the many professional resources available long after they leave my class."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
