|
Master Teacher Experience Program Held
at NACC
Northeast Alabama Community College
recently served as host of the Master Teacher Experience, a
program that brought twenty-six faculty members and nine staff
members to the NACC campus for professional development
activities. Participants in the program all represent schools in
the Alabama Community College System (ACCS).
 The Master Teacher Experience is a faculty-based professional
development program that is supported by colleges and their
Presidents from the ACCS. Northeast was selected as the campus
site for the program and activities, and sessions were held on
the Northeast campus as well as various venues in DeKalb and
Jackson counties.
“The program first began in 1999,” said Barbara Anne Spears,
staff co-coordinator of the Master Teacher Experience. “We have
always had a college president as the overseer who spearheads
events. When a site for the program opened up, it was a natural
progression, we felt, to have Dr. David Campbell, President of
NACC, to take over since he was involved with the Teaching and
Learning Initiative first held in Virginia.”
“The college staff and students have gone above and beyond to
help provide excellent experiences for our participants,”
continued Spears. “We have had a magnificent experience here at
Northeast.”
Dr. Ron Van Houten, co-coordinator for the program, stated that,
“We can’t provide all the support needed – it’s a team effort.
Northeast is a huge player on that team to provide the support
we needed to conduct this seminar. It’s been very diverse – we
have had a fantastic experience here at Northeast.”
One of the participants, Tracy Driscoll, Bishop State Community
College, added, “I didn’t know what to expect – but this has
exceeded my expectations. It has been a great experience. The
campus is beautiful and everyone has been so accommodating. I
have thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Dr. Campbell stated: “We are very pleased to serve as host for
this program. It is a very valuable experience for the faculty
members who participate – one of those things that can be a
highlight in someone’s career. I know the participants are
appreciative to the college Presidents and schools who provide
them with this opportunity, and Dr. Ron Van Houten and Mrs.
Barbara Ann Spears do just an extraordinary job in conducting
this program.”
Campbell noted that a number of businesses throughout the area
had made donations or loaned services to the program.
“Logistically, the program is a rather involved undertaking, so
we are very thankful for all the help we’ve gotten not only from
our staff but from our local citizens and businesses.”
While participating in the program, the Instructors and staff
did have some activities planned that permitted them to see
local attractions in the NACC area, such as DeSoto State Park,
Mentone, the Goosepond Recreational Complex, Unclaimed Baggage,
and Gorham’s Bluff. For some participants, this was their first
visit to Northeast Alabama, and after having seen the area they
stated that they wanted to return to spend more time in such a
beautiful part of the state.
The NACC participants included Dr. Sharon Totten and Rachel
Walker, who represented the Northeast faculty in the program.
Dr. Daphne Huntley and Don Reeves, NACC Instructors, served as
program staff members. The committee assisting in organizing and
conducting the event included Susan Barron (chair), Sam Dobbs,
Julia Everett, Jane Hopson, Kent Jones, Joan Reeves, Andrea
Wheeler, Pat Wildman, and Nicky Willmon. “Our staff, as always,
did just a tremendous job with helping organize this program,”
Dr. Campbell stated. “They know how to get things done and they
are always so personable with everyone. I couldn’t be more proud
of them for the work they do.”
Following one of the sessions, one group of
participants posed for a photo: (L-R) Khalilah Burton, Drake;
Sharon Horton, Wallace-Hanceville; Tracy Driscoll, Bishop; Candy
Smith, Trenholm;Katherine Lawson, Calhoun; Dr. Ron Van Houten,
CACC (Alabama Master Teacher Experience Director); Phyllis
Brewer, Calhoun; Tommy Gaillard, Alabama Southern; John E.
Carpenter, LBW; Sandy Roberts, Snead; Alton Rice, NW Shoals;
Jane M. Blankenship, Southern Union; Dr. Daphne Huntley, NACC (AMTE
Facilitator); Crystal Fleeton, Alabama Southern; Kathleen
Thompson, CACC; Mary Simonton, CVCC; and Rachel Walker, NACC.
(Article and photo by Debra A. Barrentine, Director of
Promotions and Marketing at NACC) |
