Page 10 - index

Accounting classroom “It should be ok to ask for help.”

that information is also key. Once the core competencies are any of the objectives and you wondered why certain items were
determined, academic leaders can structure the timing so on the exams. Executive academic leaders must commit to
the right information is presented at the most appropriate provide each student a strong learning environment enhanced
time. Chunking key themes and concepts together as well as with outstanding teachers. Terefore, every new instructor
spreading out the information over strategic periods of time must have an opportunity to learn foundational teaching and
may help new faculty members manage cognitive overload. learning strategies.
Reeves (2010) suggests that often development Primary and secondary teachers with a four-year college
opportunities stall because leadership does not follow education have the fundamental knowledge of teaching and
through on implementation. When a deep commitment to learning. When they are hired by an elementary, middle, or
implementation is made, only then can it impact student high school, they are prepared to help students learn. For some
results. Essentially, when the needs are identified, the plan new positions, experienced teachers or adjunct instructors
is set and the implementation occurs. This process must be who have some background knowledge are hired; however, as
systematic and have follow through. One-time development a college focused on career and technical education, generally
will not lead to instructional change that positively impacts instructors are hired directly from industry. Rarely is there
student learning. The process must be deliberate, planned, any formal training or teaching preparation, and their needs
promoted, budgeted, and consistent. For example, staffing can vary greatly. Preparing someone to be an instructor
hours need to be committed for faculty mentoring, peer for your college must be intentional. An academic leader is
observation, structured training, faculty-led teaching responsible to make sure that the college has systems in place
seminars, or the use of external expertise to provide the to help that teacher obtain the foundational knowledge in
right resources. Topics that are important to prioritize into a teaching and learning. Providing time for the new instructors
systematic process could include: online teaching standards, to participate is important; however, providing time for the
instructional planning, assessment strategies, learning mentors and expert teaching staf to share their experiences is
technologies, and engaging teaching strategies. As you equally important.
consider your institution’s academic priorities, the academic
leader must ensure the college commits systematically as part PREPARE FOR THE FIRST DAY.
of their annual planning and budgeting. New instructors are welcomed ofcially into the college
about three weeks prior to the start of the ofcial term. Tose
OFFER ORGANIZED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. three weeks are a time to help the instructor transition into
Can you remember teachers from your past that were not the culture of the college and prepare for his or her initial
efective? Maybe they only lectured and had little student teaching assignments. Te initial days include human resource
engagement. Maybe their assessments were not aligned with orientation, diversity training, and many introductions to

10 LEADERSHIP Vol. 20.3 Winter 2015

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