TechIntersect

Yesterday I had lunch with Dr. Chris Sorensen, who calls himself a “simple country physicist” but in fact is Kansas State’s 2007-08 University Distinguished Teaching Scholar. His list of accomplishments during his 30+ years at K-State is quite long, and some of them I cannot even pronounce. But certainly not the least of these is Outstanding Doctoral and Research Universities Professor of the Year.

So why would such a distinguished professor take the time to have lunch with and visit with me, a very junior and nontenured assistant professor from a different campus?

Because I asked him to!

One of the most important things I have done since I began my career in higher education is developing a network of mentors. You could think of it as old-school social networking. There is an old saying that goes something like this: “People who matter don’t mind, and people who mind don’t matter,” and I have found that it’s usually true.

Last spring, Chris was to give a talk at K-State called “A University Without Walls“. I had never heard of Dr. Sorensen before the talk was announced, but I became so excited when I read his abstract calling for a more interdisciplinary approach I e-mailed him to tell him I was coming. He must have thought I was some sort of nut, but he was gracious and suggested I introduce myself at the lecture, which I did.

These things often have a strange way of progressing, and I wound up running into him a number of times in unexpected places throughout the year, and he always remembered me! I don’t know if he’s read Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, but he lives it because he learned and remembered my name.

So What Did I Learn Yesterday?

I think it is absolutely vital that as teachers we all find someone to talk to every once in a while; someone who resonates with us and shares our outlook on life. Even though I’ve only known Chris a very short time, and only been able to visit at length with him once, I feel like we do have similar philosophies in spite of our different backgrounds.

For example, we discussed our respective military careers and how the experience shaped who we are today. Chris said because of his, he can eat a lot of $!&@. Hmmm, I thought. I’ve eaten a lot of $!&@ too. In fact, nothing that the university has been able to serve up compares to that which the Navy provided me with, but sometimes I forget to remind myself of that fact. Talking with Chris, and having that shared experience helped me to see things in proper perspective again.

We talked for over an hour. He seemed to be interested in my presentation at K-State’s Faculty Exchange for Teaching Excellence next month. I will be presenting a talk called “Teaching In The Intersection: Playing In The Street Without Getting Run Over” and our conversation seems to be stimulating some ideas for that.

Don’t Isolate Yourself

I guess the point of this post is to encourage you to seek out others where you work who can help you become better at what you do. Don’t be afraid of the “movers and shakers” because so often they benefit from knowing you as much as you benefit from knowing them. But you must be sincere in your efforts, and not superficially choose to interact with people just because you think it might be helpful in advancing your career. I seek out people with whom I have a genuine interest in knowing. Usually there is something that they have said or written that sparks an interest in my learning more, and it develops from there.

Tags: networking, professional development

I am at Wakonse writing this looking out upon the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan. It is day four of “Professor Camp” at Camp Miniwanca located in the State of Michigan.

“Wakonse” is a word that comes from Native American language meaning “to teach” or “to inspire.” The name is fitting, because while we are all college professors, we all share a strong common interest in classroom teaching.

I am physically exhausted but mentally and spiritually elated. I have had a chance to connect with peers from all across the United States. Perhaps even more meaningful to me, since this is my second Wakonse experience, I have re-connected with dear friends from my first time here two years ago.

For much of the summer, this place will be brimming with excitement as kids come here from around the country for their summer camp experience. But each “Memorial Day” weekend, professors from far and wide converge on this place for their own summer camp experience.

The structure of the conference is quite simple. We meet in a rustic summer camp setting to share thoughts and ideas. We are spit into a number of small dialog groups of no more than seven or eight. We share, we discuss, we debate, we entertain, and we have lots of fun! When we are not meeting with our groups, we can attend concurrent sessions on different teaching styles and methodologies or we can participate in different physical activities typical of the American summer camp experience, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, horesback riding and taking the “Polar Bear Plunge” into frigid Lake Michigan.

Last evening, I was fortunate to share some of the ideas that I have been writing down here. For those of you reading this post who attended that session, I thank you both for attending and for reading what I write. This morning I will be singing with the choir at the non-denominational church service and this evening there will be a talent contest including a variety of skits, songs and other demonstrations of skill. I also plan to sing in that event.

The time here goes by quickly. It is hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of Wakonse, and Tuesday we will be heading for home with tired bodies and renewed spirits.

I believe this event is important because it causes us to refocus our attention on the single-most important thing we do- teach students. The importance of teaching may seem obvious to some, however concept sometimes loses priority in the busy life on an academic involved in research and service activities.

We come together with our own styles and ideas, sharing with one another, striving for improvement, with the aim of becoming more effective in the classroom. I can think of no nobler way to spend a holiday weekend than allocating time for reflection upon improving your skills in your vocation.

We are tired and missing the comforts of home, but we await the next semester of teaching with enthusiasm and excitement. That in essence is what Wakonse is all about.

Tags: college, preparation, professional development, teaching