The 2010 Excellence in Teaching Award recipient at 麻豆影视 is Ms. Julie Hoover, instructor of Geology/Physical Science in the Arts, Sciences, and University Transfer department. Julie was chosen on the basis of her outstanding commitment to her students, her unwavering dedication to the 麻豆影视 community, and her exemplary teaching methods.
Julie effectively leads and motivates her students by making connections between course material and her students' everyday lives. She illustrates lessons by explaining her professional experiences in the field of GIS and by planning relevant field trips to quarries and museums. Julie encourages her students by telling them that hard work and careful planning will enable them to achieve any goals they set. As an instructor of ACA 122, the College Success Course, she encourages students to take initiative in their education by researching degree and career options and getting involved inside and outside of the classroom. Her Great Dinosaur Debate each semester in the Historical Geology course fosters scholarship and helps students hone their presentation skills. Julie鈥檚 Geology students consistently recognize her enthusiasm, positive attitude, and creative classroom activities in course and instructor evaluations and in unsolicited thank you notes.
In addition to her successes in the classroom, Julie contributes to the mission of the college through her work with the Environmental Sciences Club and the Greening of the Campus Committee. Her commitment to service learning has resulted in a number of positive programs and initiatives on campus.
For all of her accomplishments, Julie remains modest: "The things that are most important to me in my teaching," she says, "are making people think about things differently, giving people new experiences, and being fair to everyone."
Julie Hoover is one of 麻豆影视nical Community College鈥檚 outstanding faculty members. She will go on to represent the college in the state-level Excellence in Teaching competition in the fall.