I was happy to see your announcement on LinkedIn and very happy that one Texas university is committed to teaching development and excellence (after the tremendously disappointing news from UTAustin). It was interesting to read your thoughts regarding admin v teaching. At my institution they divide those roles very strictly and I had thought to apply for a small admin role with a faculty development focus. But when I was told I could not teach, not even one class, I felt I would stop growing in the way that teaching nurtures and that I’d lose that laboratory space—I’m not ready to do that yet if I’m going to lead others (you are further along in your career than I am, but I’m not sure I’ll feel differently five or ten years from now—we shall see!) I’m very happy to hear you will still be contributing here and I am excited to see what insights you share with your new role! Congratulations to you!
Thanks Rebecca. I can't remember if I mentioned it in the post but I also have a faculty appointment in the math department at TAMU, with no teaching responsibilities -- it's a fallback in case I ever want to pivot back into teaching (or if what happened at UT happens at TAMU) or if I just want to get back in the classroom every so often. I've been at teaching for 30+ years so I'm ready for a move into something different but you're right about losing something when you step away.
Congratulations on the career shift, the blog shift, and the ‘winter’ shift (MI to TX will be some climate interesting-ness!). Thanks to everyone who makes this blog such a helpful, welcoming place to think more about grading reform.
The idea of never touching the snowblower again has me irrationally excited, or maybe rationally excited. I'm trading it for unbelievable heat and humidity, but you can't always have it all.
Congratulations, Robert! I’m really looking forward to the insights you’ll bring from your perspective as an administrator. Thank you for all you’ve done to help shape and advance the field of alternative grading in higher education. I’m so glad you’ll continue making a difference for both faculty and students alike :)
I was happy to see your announcement on LinkedIn and very happy that one Texas university is committed to teaching development and excellence (after the tremendously disappointing news from UTAustin). It was interesting to read your thoughts regarding admin v teaching. At my institution they divide those roles very strictly and I had thought to apply for a small admin role with a faculty development focus. But when I was told I could not teach, not even one class, I felt I would stop growing in the way that teaching nurtures and that I’d lose that laboratory space—I’m not ready to do that yet if I’m going to lead others (you are further along in your career than I am, but I’m not sure I’ll feel differently five or ten years from now—we shall see!) I’m very happy to hear you will still be contributing here and I am excited to see what insights you share with your new role! Congratulations to you!
Thanks Rebecca. I can't remember if I mentioned it in the post but I also have a faculty appointment in the math department at TAMU, with no teaching responsibilities -- it's a fallback in case I ever want to pivot back into teaching (or if what happened at UT happens at TAMU) or if I just want to get back in the classroom every so often. I've been at teaching for 30+ years so I'm ready for a move into something different but you're right about losing something when you step away.
You did mention that and it sounds ideal!! 😀
Congratulations on the career shift, the blog shift, and the ‘winter’ shift (MI to TX will be some climate interesting-ness!). Thanks to everyone who makes this blog such a helpful, welcoming place to think more about grading reform.
The idea of never touching the snowblower again has me irrationally excited, or maybe rationally excited. I'm trading it for unbelievable heat and humidity, but you can't always have it all.
Congratulations, Robert! I’m really looking forward to the insights you’ll bring from your perspective as an administrator. Thank you for all you’ve done to help shape and advance the field of alternative grading in higher education. I’m so glad you’ll continue making a difference for both faculty and students alike :)