Teaching A Class At The End Of The Semester

Teaching online can be quite an experience. And then there is never to see the student's face, other than in a picture. That is the class I am teaching. Thankfully, it is just one class.

There is not much money involved in a community faculty position, as at one time they all had well-paying jobs and did this service for the altruism maybe or the fun of it. It can be rewarding.

At the end of the semester, papers are due. Some are coming in quickly and others 10 minutes after the deadline. I am told that some professors will take 10% off for a late paper, and still others won't accept a late paper.

I accept late papers and will still give full points this semester. I had many difficulties this semester, even though I have already taught this class in the fall. I thought it was an easy move of materials. No, it wasn't a smooth move for me.

It is a good thing it is one class. Some of the students report problems and even suggest a fix. Then there is IT and they will hop in and fix problems I can't.

IT earns their money as they are so much help. Students should get a break as they are helpful too. No points off this semester.

I have a Native American Curriculum training that I am training on this week and I won't be as available as normal. The training is 3 days and two trainer meetings on 2 evenings. Not what I thought and even then it will work out.

The timing isn't the best for this training but that is how it goes sometimes when working as a culture consultant. When the work comes in when you are not busy, then you fill your schedule. Otherwise, running your own business can be referred to as feast or famine. Or making hay while the sunshines!

Being referred to as a professor can be an ego boost for some. I don't feel like a professor. My picture of a professor is an old man, looking above his glasses, very stern and not smiling. Maybe I have to change my picture!

Someone told me it is usually someone who is an expert on the subject they are teaching. Again, I may know more than many, therefore a culture consultant, but I don't feel like an expert.

I don't think there are many experts in this field. My grandson would say, they may have book experience, but what about true life experience. All I can say to that is it doesn't hurt to have both. I appreciate the little bit of knowledge I have from books, from others, and my own experience.

Coming from an oral tradition, it sure helps to remember the stories I was told growing up. I have found that many people don't remember or were not told. Something got in the way. Grandparents and parents in boarding school, alcoholism/addiction, being raised outside of the culture.

I know that I have failed in my storytelling as I never thought I was a good storyteller. Today, I hear it doesn't matter if I am a good storyteller or not, if I heard the stories, it is important to tell them to our children and grandchildren.

I have been scolded a few times by elders. I am fast becoming one of those elders as most of my old people have gone on.

In the end, I have enjoyed my experience teaching each time I have taught a class. Substance Use and Native Americans are more my subject than psychology or social work classes I have taught.

I am hopeful that we will all finish this class together and get good grades in the process. Learning from the material is a given. Good material, books, and videos for all. Papers are telling the story of the learning that is happening. My missing a few days won't change any of that!