KEEPING THE PLATES SPINNING: THE BALANCING ACT OF THE TEACHER EDUCATOR

LITERATURE REVIEW

The university still retains much of its medieval structure, and although there have been increasing efforts to drag it into the industrial-technological age, the efforts haven’t proved completely successful (Pritchard, Hosteltler & Sawyer, 2004, p. 245).

Massey and Zemsky (1994) coined the term “academic ratchet” to describe the trend toward more faculty time being spent away from teaching and preparing for classes to focus on research and publication.

Academic life is more difficult than most anticipate because the responsibilities are time-consuming, diverse, and conflicting. (Towes and Yazedjian, 2007).

WHAT PLATES ARE SPINNING FOR ME? Teaching Research Publications Conference Presentations Coordination of School Programming University Academic Affairs Committee SOE Diversity Committee Board of Trustees SOE Meetings

HOW TO KEEP THE PLATES SPINNING

Understand the expectations of the department What is the tenure/promotion policy? What is expected of new faculty? Do you have a mentor?

Make the time needed for research and publication sacrosanct Schedule!!!!!! Tie it to classes taught if possible Work collaboratively on writing projects

HOW TO KEEP THE PLATES SPINNING

Service to the University Gathering data for accreditation visits Participating in department and university

committees Grant writing

Service to the Community Stakeholder’s meetings Attending functions

MY WAY TO SPIN THE PLATES

Balance is the key! Family/friends are important No is a complete sentence!

THE CLOSING ACT

The very act of teaching is what I value the most. I work to make sure that my ability to plan, implement and evaluate instruction is not hindered by my other duties.