It’s official. I am an instructor (professor? teacher? numbskull?) at ITT in Little Rock, AR.
You know, about a month ago, on a whim, I replied to an ad for instructors. I have always wanted to teach, which is part of the reason I am (hoping to be) starting my masters in January. I thought nothing of it at the time, just another attempt to put myself out there and make some contacts.
Shocked, perhaps, when I was contacted by the Dean and asked to come in for an interview. Not to blow my own horn, but I felt like they thought they had struck pay dirt – not terribly easy to find really qualified instructors in design in Arkansas. Big surprise there, I know. And maybe it was a “too good to be true” feeling, as well… until they talked to my references.
I’ve been fortunate, over the years, to work with some really amazing people. Talented, yes, but more than that. I’m still friends and work with someone I went to college with, whom I have known for 16 years – a remarkable man who has evolved so much since I’ve known him, to a place even he himself never wanted to go. Another friend and co-worker who’s trust and (for lack of a better phrase) good-heartedness is so great that, even under terrific strain, is still a joy to converse and work with after over 11 years. And finally, a mentor who’s talent and work-ethic is so strong that his seeming lack of modern computer skills just a few years ago has become a non-issue.
So these three men were my contacts. I was told today by the Dean that, normally, they only ask new instructors to teach 1 class. I was asked to teach not one, not two, but three classes starting December 1st.
So, enough tooting my horn. Needless to say, it’s terribly exciting. Unfortunately, I cannot teach within the Bachelor’s program (as of now), but may in the Associate’s. I feel blessed, though – what better way to build my “next career” as a professor than by starting wherever I am trusted to help. I wouldn’t care if it was a Print Shop certificate program – if they wanted me to teach advanced flatulence, I’d be there.
Actually, there’s an idea…
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However, there’s an issue. Not really an issue, more of a realization. I could teach “real-world” stuff with my eyes closed. But these people are funny – they follow a curriculum, and reference books. And if I really want to be able to admit that I am teaching “from the book”, I probably need to read it.
But, like all great artists, once you learn the rules, you can break them.
I hope to be able to bring a real perspective to the classes – it’s all well and good to learn type theory, Indesign controls and mechanical production (all very useful stuff, believe me), but another to learn the whys and wherefores and because thereofs. I must admit, I made that last one up.
At any rate. It’s exciting. It’s going to be taxing. But it’s work – and it’s in my field. And isn’t that the whole ballgame?
Although, I gotta work this flatulence angle…