“MENTORS MATTER” Reflections by Shanika Carter, March 2020
My experience as an adjunct instructor has changed from each institution that I have taught, so it seems that with each new course I am starting all over again. I do have to say that I have been blessed to connect with some awesome supporters and “mentors” who have previously taught these courses before I begin my experience, a type of support that I have not always had in the other fields or careers I have worked in. This support has helped me tremendously to not only become a more confident teacher, but also helped me to relax and have a fun and enjoyable teaching and learning experience as well.
When I decided to pursue teaching communications (I currently work in the communications departments for two community colleges), of course I was concerned about being able to remember all of the key things from my own education in the field over 10+ years before. I know there had been advances in the field, which I personally have always kept myself updated and current on, but even more so in classroom instruction. I had previously started teaching for an institution in a general education course, which entailed some composition instruction, but I followed the syllabus and outline that was already in place. I was then invited to teach interpersonal communications to inmates through a community college program that assisted them in obtaining their degrees while incarcerated. Although it was through a community college, it was definitely a different setup and environment. After that program ended, another opportunity came with Montcalm Community College in Sidney, MI.
This experience not only was new, again, because of the years since I had been on a college campus in the classroom, but my department head was someone who served as a mentor and helping me to acclimate well to the campus and the department curriculum. In addition, she also allowed me the room to be myself and incorporate my own lessons and activities, although we did follow a set textbook. Still, to this day now almost two years later, she encourages us instructors in the department to share ideas for textbooks, materials, etc. for her to research and see if our ideas are a good fit for the program.
I can say that I have grown as an instructor, but it is always a new learning experience with each new institution. Each tends to have their own structure already set up according to the department, but I feel that the more experience I gain under my belt helps them feel more at ease with me incorporating my own ideas and creativity into the curriculum. At first, I actually did not mind having the curriculum all set for me to follow, as I was in the process of “becoming” an instructor. I now appreciate the freedom to apply my own personal touches and experiences in the classroom, which I feel is impactful when the students get to see a side of me that shows that I have been in their shoes and that I am relatable.