MCC Daily Tribune

TCC: Congratulations to the Fall Nominees for Kudos for Teaching Excellence!

Each semester, the Teaching and Creativity Center (TCC) solicits nominations for "Kudos for Teaching Excellence" from students, faculty and staff. To submit a nomination for next semester, visit: https://qeasttrial.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1N4PF9rFTIunUIl.

Fall 2018 Kudos for Teaching Excellence

Nominated by Students

Jim Cronmiller, Biology

Prof. Cronmiller is very patient with his student and very considerate. He takes time to explain the material for easy understanding.

Kevin Waghorn, Psychology

Prof Waghorn is great at teaching. He simplifies the material with real life examples making it easy to understand. He makes class fun and active. He treats everyone with respect and kindness.

Michael Rhoda, Math

Professor Rhoda really enjoys what he does. I went into the class unsure of myself and left with a complete understanding of business math. Professor Rhoda went above and beyond to make sure that each one of his students succeeded. My view of math is no longer negative and intimidated but rather positive thanks to him.

Janet Waasdorp, Education

Professor Waasdorp is an amazing professor. She really helped me when I was stressing out about my homework by talking to me, and coming up with a "game plan". She's an excellent counselor and educator as well!! She feels passionate about helping students achieve their goal, and helping them to succeed. She ALWAYS tries to lend a hand to anyone she crosses paths with. Professor Waasdorp is one of my professors who I will remember forever.

It's been a while since I was in her class, but I have to say, she is one of the most down to earth, most supportive, most creative, most passionate professors I know! Her love for teaching shows! When I would struggle with work she would communicate with me and encourage me to keep going! I never thought a professor can be this supportive! I would speak to her about my dreams and ambitions on becoming a teacher and she would reinforce my passion with encouraging words - she literally believes in me! She purposely organizes her lessons to make sure she passes the ones who actually do the work and actually have a passion for teaching! I wish there were more ways of rewarding this professor because I am telling you! She is the best mcc has! I am not saying this because she is my favorite but I'm saying this because I truly believe she is necessary to mcc for teaching the future generation of teachers! We don't need teachers who are just happy with the paycheck! We need teachers who are passionate about making a difference in children's lives!

I nominate Mrs. Waasdorp, she is very kind, considerate, and is very connected to her students, always available for advice or help. She is a very upbeat funny and outgoing teacher who has a very close bond with her students and makes learning a wonderful experience for us all. Mrs. Waasdorp is always optimistic encouraging and is truly concerned about her students, there have been times I wanted to give up due to personal problems and Mrs. Waasdorp has gone above and beyond to make sure that I continue school with her encouragement and a shoulder to cry on when feeling overwhelmed. She is truly an inspiration and a pleasure to be around and to be taught by her and to learn the things I have learned about education has been an awesome learning experience one I will carry for the rest of my life. She has made that much of an impact and deserves to be recognized for the wonderful teacher that she is.

Judy Mevs, Chemistry

I would like to thank Professor Mevs for making the class enjoyable through her teaching style. Thank you for your encouragement and willingness to help all students understand Chemistry 124. Professor Mevs is organized and able to clearly explain complex topics. The knowledge I gained from your class and the advice you gave us will help me in the future.

Sherry Tshibangu, Business

I nominate Professor Sherry Tshibangu for Teaching Excellence. Professor Tshibangu was the first and best example of embracing students with disabilities and learning accommodations. She and a fellow classmate demonstrated an excellent example of inclusion. She put the class at ease addressing any unspoken discomfort for an obvious accommodation and also taught us how to work with the student. She also made sure that every single student made a verbal contribution on a single class question. She made it clear that everyone makes a valued contribution - you are in the right place here in your education. I heard voices I never hear from. I heard responses to the question better than my own. I was humbled the responses.

Jon Little, Chemistry/Geosciences

Professor Little is a very easy to work with instructor. He is thoughtful, yet sets boundaries. His teaching methodology is excellent. He breaks the course down in a way it is easy to learn no matter what age group you are in. He explains the subject in a manner that if you want to learn, you will learn the subject being taught and you will succeed. I actually had fun while learning as I took his class. In addition he makes sure to keep you up to date on Research and Internship opportunities.

Sharyn Carlin, TRS and Math

It gives me great pleasure to nominate Professor Sharyn Carlin for teaching excellence for the fall semester of 2018. Professor Carlin is one of the most personable, kind, respectful, hardworking, and creative professors I have had the privilege of working with, at Monroe Community College. Every day, whether the class time was long or short, I was greeted with the same energetic smile, and every day I was energized and humbled by the enthusiasm and care which was shown by this outstanding professor.

At the start of the semester, having a severe math learning disability, I was concerned that I would never be able to reach my goals in mathematics. Through Professor Carlin's determination, endless passion for her subject, and care for the well-being of her students, both academically and beyond, I persevered. Professor Carlin was always available during her office hours to assist me. She patiently explained concepts as many times as needed for me to understand.

Nominated by Faculty

The Nursing Department faculty and staff

Working tirelessly together to fulfill the obligations of two vacant full time positions, the entire nursing faculty and staff deserve kudos. They have offered both time and expertise to cover classes, advise program and pathway students, staff the Media Center, manage special projects, and assume a myriad of additional responsibilities. Their efforts have ensured that our program maintains its standards of excellence and that students feel fully supported. Our program's 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensing examination, for all three quarters of 2018, is just one indicator that validates the collective efforts of this talented and committed team.

Angela Douglas, Hospitality

Chef Douglas goes above and beyond for her students and the department. Chef Douglas takes the time both in the classroom and outside the classroom to inspire our culinary students. Chef Douglas provides a fun, informative and engaging classroom.

Celia Reaves, Psychology

I would like to give kudos to Professor of Psychology Celia Reaves for excellence in teaching. Dr. Reaves is a consummate professional and highly effective teacher. She is not afraid to try new ideas, teaching strategies, and course technology. Dr. Reaves was among the first faculty members at MCC to teach online. When "clicker" technology hit the education scene, Dr. Reaves was among the first in the department to begin using clickers in her face-to-face classes as a way to increase engagement and quiz students on what they were learning. In addition, she teaches some of the most challenging classes in Psychology, such as Research Methods in Social Sciences and Cognitive Psychology. I have heard from many students how much they enjoy classes taken with Dr. Reaves. She is student-centered, fair, and clear and consistent with expectations. Her warm and supportive classroom demeanor and positive online presence motivates students to learn and encourages them to succeed. Therefore, I say "Kudos!" to Professor Celia Reaves for her highly effective teaching skills, support for the pedagogy of teaching, and unwavering dedication to students.

Eugenia Merliss
Teaching & Creativity Center
02/01/2019