Student Tribune

TCC: And the "Kudos for Teaching Excellence" nominees are...

Thank you to all of the students who took the time to submit these nominations for faculty who've made an impact on their learning. If you would like to submit a nomination at any time, please complete this form: http://qeasttrial.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0evdGYUdiMoGZCJ

Kudos for Teaching Excellence, Fall 2019

Recommended by students

Suzanne Long, Biology

I was scared during the beginning of the class about taking Microbiology. Science being one of my least favorite course, I had least expectations for success. But your lecture screen casts, Simplified labs and how interactive you teach, boost my desire to study hard and do well in the class. Thank you Miss Suzanne.

She is an inspiration for her field. Her passion for her work comes through in her teaching. She clearly enjoys the work she does and enjoys teaching it to future generations of nurses, technicians, etc. I find her engaging, patient, funny, kind and yet no-nonsense at the same time. She also encourages us to look beyond her classroom for information. She has given some great resources that i will continue to use in the future, including a podcast that i now listen to everyday! I honestly can say I wish I was going to have more time with her as my professor.

Beth Clickner, Math

Professor C was so wonderful, and supportive. She is honest, and upfront. She allowed me to express how I feel and was understanding. Professor has the most wonderful communication via email. I am truly grateful for having you as a professor fall semester.

Dina Giovanelli, AHPS

I honestly do not know where to begin. I feel tears of happiness as I am writing this because Dina means so much to me. Out of all the teachers I have had growing up in my life, no one cared as much as she does. There are times when I had a lot of self-doubt and her words carried me through, and that's because every word she said was spoken with honesty and love. She has touched my life for the better on the outside world of school as well continuously encouraging me to do great things. And if I am being honest she does not get enough credit for being a PHENOMENAL professor, human being, and friend.

Amy Burtner, English/Philosophy

Last semester I took English 200 with the good professor. I can honestly say, that after 4 years and almost 2 degrees, Prof. Dr. Burtner has been by far the best professor I have ever had. Her teaching style is remarkable, she is honest and fair with her grading and she is understanding of life issues faced by students. I have even made it a point to follow her beagle, Stella, on Instagram. I sincerely hope that Prof. Dr. Burtner will continue her tenure at MCC so that my children may someday have the honor of studying under her.

Binh-Yen Nguyen, ICT

Professor Nguyen is a remarkable teacher. He works consistently every day to make sure that students are comfortable and have a full understanding of the content taught in class. He often teaches entry level classes, meaning that he has to deal with students that don't really respect him or the teacher-student dynamic that is essential for good education. Still he tries to help everyone learn equally. He has a busy schedule and is often leaving immediately from my class to another one, but he will still take the time to try to answer questions in the limited time he has, or to schedule an office hour appointment with those students. Recently, I was unable to meet with him within his office hour times, upon emailing him, he was able to find another time that worked with my schedule. He most likely gave up his own time grading and planning to help me. For this and many other reasons, Professor Binh-Yen is a remarkable teacher.

Franzie Weldgen, VaPa

I am a retired English teacher, 5 years in private schools and 28 years in public schools. I was happy to learn that, as a senior citizen, I could audit courses at MCC. I was even happier to learn MCC offers a class in drawing comics, and I was most happy to land in the class of Franzie Weldgen. I have high standards for teaching, and I find Professor Weldgen to be the kind of teacher I always aspired to be. He is very knowledgeable in his field, capable as an artist, and -- most importantly -- a great teacher. What I mean by that is that he engages with each of his students on a familiar but professional level. His interactions are always 100% positive. He finds the best in student work and, when asked for suggestions or even criticism, he never makes negative comments. He takes each student where he or she is, and sees in each the potential for improvement and movement towards the creation of articulate and beautiful work. I have found this with his interactions with me, and with the young matriculated students in the class. He makes no distinction between young or old, uninitiated or veteran. He treats each member of the class with respect, good will, humor, and a serious attitude towards the approach of craft. His lessons are engaging, exciting, and informative. He balances his group instruction with examples of comic art in the widest possible range, and with practical tips on careers in the field. I am fortunate and grateful to have been able to be in Professor Weldgen's class as my first foray into learning in retirement, and the high quality of the faculty at MCC.

Rachel Santiago, Math

She is an absolutely amazing Professor hands down. I had her for (Math) 098 last semester and now 104 for this semester and can say that she is the best teacher/professor I've ever had. She always comes in with a smile and a great attitude which brightens the room, Ifind it absolutely amazing how she is able to do this constantly due to, well, life. If something is affecting her in a negative way she doesn't show it and I think it's more of a testament to her resilience, motivation and dedication to making sure that she can teach students to the best of her ability. Professor Santiago also teaches math very clearly and concise. I have never heard anyone in my life explain math as easy as she does, she has a natural ability to teach and it's very clear when you see her working. She also doesn't become passive-aggressive or frustrated when a student doesn't understand something, she makes sure to explain it to the best of her ability and will make it so that the student will eventually understand it. To many people this is not surprising if you know her, but she amazes me constantly of her skills as a teacher. She has made my MCC experience an absolutely great one. She really is a one-of-a-kind person.

Mark Landon, HVAC

Mark is very helpful, every time in lab when you needed help you can count on him to be helpful. In the beginning I was struggling to learn the materials, so I attended open lab. Mark takes the time to explain and re-explain the materials until understand it. He always goes the extra mile in helping any students and making sure they get the help they needed to be successful in the HVAC program.

Mary Eggers, Nursing

Mary has been my instructor for two semesters at MCC. She is upbeat, personable, and does not give up on her students. She is there for her students no matter how big or small the issue. Even if it is just a "Go get em!" or "You got this!". Some days things are not great. The curriculum is tougher than I ever imagined. I may not have the best grades, but I try my best. She has made me believe that I can do it! I will do it!

Submitted by faculty and staff

Sandy Hilsdorf, ESOL/TRS

Sandy has been working with our TRS English students for several years now. She has created a student centered, multi-modal classroom that provides students with the opportunity to learn and apply complex ideas. Sandy is passionate about ensuring student success and is always willing to spend extra time to help a student master the course concepts. She is creative, thoughtful, kind, and personable instructor who provides a challenging learning environment for her students. Sandy's students have said they feel blessed to have been in her classroom and the ESOL/TRS Department is fortunate to have such a compassionate and dedicated adjunct instructor.

Donna Burke, ESOL/TRS

Donna recently led an adjunct Supper for Success workshop about supporting students with autism. She helped us to see each of the students as individuals and ask them for ways to support them rather than stereotype or generalize them. She has a great way of sharing her frustrations and challenges as an instructor while also communicating a kind and compassionate way to respond when we experience those inevitable feelings. Though I've never seen her teach students, I can tell that Donna holds high expectations while also being compassionate.

Lydia Tien, Chemistry/Geosciences

Even though Lydia teaches large lecture classes in building 8, students have many chances to participate throughout the class period. To collect attendance, she has students work on and turn in a new problem that reviews the last class' material. Throughout her presentation of new material, she often says "talk to your neighbor" so students have a chance to predict or synthesize. Many students take this opportunity to talk about their thinking while others use the extra minute to think for themselves. Lydia's teaching is a great example of active learning within a content-heavy large lecture class.

Merliss, Eugenia
Teaching & Creativity Center
11/22/2019