Susan Cable, Professor in the Law/Criminal Justice Department, is retiring from MCC after a fulfilling 27 years of service. Sue came to MCC in September 1987 after spending seven years as a lawyer in the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, as she needed a more flexible work situation to meet the demands of her young family.
Sue really enjoys teaching and feels like she was “just getting good at it in the last five years.” When Sue started at MCC, she had no previous teaching experience or training. She feels that writing all her own material and developing the processes to teach it are amongst her greatest accomplishments. Sue is happy to see that new MCC faculty now receive more mentoring and guidance.
Sue’s advice for new faculty is: 1) Don’t be discouraged by the overwhelming feeling of teaching your first couple of years; 2) Take advantage of all the networking, TCC events, and learning opportunities presented by other faculty; 3) Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback or to ask questions on how to be a better teacher; 4) Learn from your colleagues, and 5) KEEP LEARNING.
Some of Sue’s fondest MCC memories are of the students that she has seen blossom and turn their lives around at the college. Many have overcome huge obstacles to earn their degree and acquire the skills and knowledge that will enable them to live out their dreams.
Sue has seen changes in students over her many years of teaching. Today’s students have many challenges. They are very distracted with today’s technology, and many of them struggle to develop the disciplined focus that they need to be successful with their studies. They also need more support, due to a variety of reasons, that aren’t always within their control.
When she retires, Sue will miss her Law/Criminal Justice colleagues the most. They have been a very supportive group, and she’ll miss the daily interaction and camaraderie.
Sue believes that coming to MCC was the scariest, yet smartest thing she ever did. Despite taking a pay cut and never teaching before, she feels it was the BEST decision she ever made.
Anne Kirkpatrick
Academic Services - DCC
04/13/2015 |