Shanes Notebook

Much of my career has been, on a part-time basis, in the actual or virtual classroom. I progressed from instructor to professor while teaching engineering subjects. In the process, I saw short term results such as the students who did well in my classes. Later, I began teaching continuing education courses, first on-site and then as webinars. Again, I observed some positive impacts.

However, the “proof is in the pudding” and the “pudding” is the impact of one’s teaching on the lives and careers of former students. Accordingly, I wish I could assess and grade my former students’ success and significance as easily as I graded their homework, reports, and examinations.

Every now and then I will hear from a former student. For example, as a result of presenting a webinar, I recently crossed paths with a student who was in one of my university classes three decades ago. In an email to me, he said “I was an excellent fluid mechanics professor.” His comments were gratifying. Occasionally, webinar participants thank me for my efforts.

And, on reflection, I recognize and appreciate the impact of some of my teachers. In elementary school, Ms. Blaha introduced me to geography, geology, and history as we studied our state. To this day, I enjoy these topics and, as a graduate student, I minored in geology and have used it in my work.

While I was an undergraduate student, a professor led me to the water resources field and encouraged me to earn graduate degrees. As a result of his encouragement and with those graduate degrees, I enjoyed over two decades of work in the water resources field.

If you are a committed and competent teacher, regardless of the level, and occasionally or worse yet, frequently, get discouraged, please persist. Have faith. Although you are likely to hear from very few of your former students, many will benefit from your efforts.

All of us are former students. Please consider this suggestion: Reflect on your teachers and identify the several that had the greatest impact. Contact them and indicate your appreciation for their efforts. You will make their day. clep study guides : Free study guides for your CLEP exams as well as reviews of the most popular paid CLEP study guides.

By the way, many of us are in effect teachers as we seek continuous improvement of ourselves and others in our various roles such as colleague, project manager, supervisor, department head, and mentor. Your teaching work is very important and will extend further than you imagine. “A teacher affects eternity,” according to education writer Henry Adams, “he can never tell where his influence stops.” Ultrasound Technician Schools | Buy Textbooks