FEBRUARY FACULTY DEVELOPMENT NEWSLETTER

Honolulu Community College - University of Hawaii
FACULTY DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Volume 5 No. 3          February 15, 1996

TEACHING - AN ART - A PASSION

by Kathy Kamakaiwi, Assistant Professor, Cosmetology
	What would be the single most important quality that an 
instructor could bring to the classroom?  Are we simply a storehouse 
of knowledge that imparts information to a sea of new faces each 
semester, empowered to teach by degrees and experience? Why are some 
teachers so exceptional that they not only capture the mind but also 
reach the soul and even touch their dreams? What is it that 
transforms a classroom and turns it into an environment that 
nurtures, awakens, and draws the student into an active role?
	I believe the most important quality a teacher can possess and 
bring to each student is "passion". Teaching is not just a job. It 
is a fine art, filled with and ruled by intense emotion, held in 
check by course content, outlines and syllabuses. Knowledge as we 
all know is powerful. However, knowledge taught with passion 
increases a hundred-fold in terms of learning. As teachers we must 
communicate this knowledge, with passion, to leave a lasting 
impression and positive impact on each of our students. We are not 
unlike actors on a stage, and with our voices, body language, and 
demeanor we can draw the students into the scene and make them a 
part of the experience. The students do not gaze at the clock to see 
how much longer class is going to last, rather they look up and 
wonder, "where has the time gone?". They are involved in capturing 
the essence of the teacher and making it a part of their being. 
Because of this passion that one brings to teaching, and the ability 
to communicate and share that passion with the student; learning 
becomes active and exciting.  Inspired by the desire to be a part of 
that passion the teacher and student are now partners sharing the 
same quest for knowledge. Learning should be an enjoyable experience 
that is embraced by both the teacher and student, creating a 
partnership of immeasurable value. The common goal in the quest for 
knowledge in this partnership is reflected in a quote from Natasha 
Josefowitz;

"My right hand is being held
by someone who knows more than I, and I am learning.
My left hand is belng held
by someone who knows less than I, and I am teaching.
Both my hands need thus to be held,
For me - to be."

	When we find the emotion we feel for our profession or vocation, 
reflected in the interaction we share with our students - WE TRULY 
TEACH!.
	We present the same information semester after semester, so how do 
we maintain this passion?  It is through our students - as we 
stimulate them to think and choose, guiding them to make discoveries 
on their own.  It is their presence that gives us purpose and 
enables us to be a part of their future. . The greatest gift we can 
give our students as we prepare for class is to take our subject 
matter, and wrap it in passion. It is then we enter the classroom, 
not because its a job, but because we were BORN TO TEACH!

Kathy has been a member of the Faculty Development Committee for the 
past two years and HCC's 1994-95 recipient of the Excellence in 
Teaching Award.

THREE LETTERS FROM TEDDY

by Elizabeth Silance Baynard

	Teddy's letter came today, and now that I've read it, I will 
place it in my cedar chest with the other things that are important to my 
life.
	"I wanted you to be the first to know."  I smiled as I read the 
words he had written and my heart swelled with a  pride that I had no 
right to feel.
	I have not seen Teddy Stallard since he was a student in my fifth 
grade class, 15 years ago.  It was early in my career, and I had only 
been teaching for two years.
	From the first day he stepped into my classroom, I disliked 
Teddy.  Teachers (although everyone knows differently) are not supposed 
to have favorites in a class, but most especially are they not to show 
dislike for a child, any child.
	Nevertheless, every year there are one or two children that one 
cannot help but become attached to, for teachers are human, and it is 
human nature to like bright, pretty, intelligent people, whether they are 
10 years old or 25.  And sometimes, not too often fortunately, there will 
be one or two students to whom the teacher just can't seem to relate.
	I had thought myself quite capable of handling my personal 
feelings along that line until Teddy walked into my life.  There wasn't a 
child I particularly liked that year, but Teddy was most assuredly one I 
disliked.
	He was dirty. Not just occasionally, but all the time. His hair 
hung over his ears, and he actually had to hold it out of his eyes as he 
wrote his papers in class. (And this was before it was fashionable to do 
so!).  Too, he had a peculiar odor about him which I could never 
identify. His physical faults were many, and his intellect left a lot to 
be desired, also.  By the end of the first week, I knew he was hopelessly 
behind the others.  Not only was he behind; he was just plain slow!  I 
began to withdraw from him immediately.
	Any teacher will tell you that it's more of a pleasure to teach a 
bright child. It is definitely more rewarding for one's ego. But any 
teacher worth her credentials can channel work to the bright child, 
keeping him challenged and learning, while she puts her major effort on 
the slower ones.  Any teacher can do this. Most teachers do it, but I 
didn't, not that year. In fact, I concentrated on my best students and 
let the others follow along as best they could. Ashamed as I am to admit 
it, I took perverse pleasure in using my red pen, and each time I came to 
Teddy's papers, the cross marks (and there were many) were always a 
little redder than necessary.
	"Poor work!" I would write with a flourish.
	While I did not actually ridicule the boy, my attitude was 
obviously quite apparent to the class; for he quickly became the class 
"goat," the outcast - the unlovable and the unloved.  He knew I didn't 
like him, but he didn't know why. Nor did I know - then or now - why I 
felt such an intense dislike for him. All I know is that he was a little 
boy no one cared about, and I made no effort on his behalf.
	The days rolled by. We made it through the Fall Festival and the 
Thanksgiving holidays, and I continued marking happily with my red pen.
	As Christmas holidays approached, I knew that Teddy would never 
catch up in time to be promoted to the sixth grade level. He would be a 
repeater.
	To justify myself, I went to his cumulative folder and from time 
to time looked it over. He had very low grades for the first four years, 
but not grade failure. How he had made it, I did not know. I closed my 
mind to the personal remarks.
	First Grade: Teddy shows promise by work and attitude, but has a 
poor home situation.
	Second Grade: Teddy could do better. Mother terminally ill. He 
receives little help at home.
	Third Grade: Teddy is a pleasant boy. Helpful, but too serious. 
Slow learner. Mother passed away end of the year.
	Fourth Grade: Very slow, but well behaved. Father shows little or 
no interest.
	Well, they passed him four times.  But he will certainly repeat 
fifth grade!  Do him good!  I said to myself.
	And then the last day before the Christmas holidays arrived. Our 
little tree on the reading table sported paper and popcorn chains.  Many 
gifts were heaped underneath waiting for the big moment.
	Teachers always get several gifts at Christmas, but mine that 
year seemed bigger and more elaborate than ever.  There was not a student 
who had not brought me one.  Each unwrapping brought squeals of delight, 
and the proud giver would receive effusive thank-yous.
	Teddy's gift wasn't the last one I picked up, in fact it was the 
middle of the pile. Its wrapping was a brown paper bag, and he had 
colored Christmas trees and red bells all over it. It was stuck together 
with masking tape.
	"For Miss Thompson - From Teddy" it read.
	The group was completely silent and for the first time I felt 
conspicuous, embarrassed because they all stood watching me unwrap that gift.
	As I removed the last bit of masking tape, two items fell to my 
desk: a gaudy rhinestone bracelet with several stones missing and a small 
bottle of dime store cologne - half empty.
	I could hear the snickers and whispers, and I wasn't sure I could 
look at Teddy. "Isn't it lovely?" I said, placing the bracelet on my 
wrist. "Teddy, would you help me fasten it?"
	He smiled shyly as he fixed the clasp, and I held my wrist for 
all of them to admire. There were a few hesitant oohs and ahhs, but as I 
dabbed the cologne behind my ears, all the little girls lined up for a 
dab behind their ears.
	I continued to open the gifts until I reached the bottom of the 
pile. We ate our refreshments and then the bell rang. The children filed 
out with shouts of "See you next year," and "Merry Christmas!" but Teddy 
waited at his desk.
	When they had all left, he walked toward me, clutching his gift 
and books to his chest.  You smell just like Mom," he said softly. "Her 
bracelet looks real pretty on you too. I'm glad you liked it."
	He left quickly. I locked the door, sat down at my desk and wept, 
resolving to make up to Teddy what I had deliberately deprived him of - a 
teacher who cared.  I stayed every afternoon with Teddy from the end of 
the Christmas holiday until the last day of school.  Sometimes we worked 
together. Sometimes he worked alone while I drew up lesson plans or 
graded papers.
	Slowly but surely he caught up with the rest of the class.  
Gradually there was a definite upward curve in his grades.  He did not 
have to repeat the fifth grade. In fact, his final averages were among 
the highest in the class, and although I knew he would be moving out of 
state when school was out, I was not worried for him. Teddy had reached a 
level that would stand him in good stead the following year no matter 
where he went.  He had enjoyed a good measure of success and as we were 
taught in our teacher training course, SUCCESS BUILDS SUCCESS.
	I did not hear from Teddy until seven years later when his first 
letter appeared in my mailbox.

		Dear Miss Thompson,
		I just wanted you to be the first to know. I will be 
	graduating second in my class next month.
			Very truly yours,
			Teddy Stallard

	I sent him a card of congratulations and a small package, a pen 
and pencil gift set. I wondered what he would do after graduation.
	Four years later, Teddy's second letter came.

		Dear Miss Thompson,
		I wanted you to be the first to know. I was just informed 
	I'll be graduating first in my class. The University has not been 
	easy but I liked it. 
			Very truly yours, 
			Teddy Stallard

	I sent him a good pair of sterling silver monogrammed cuff links 
and a card - so proud of you, I could burst.
	And now, today - Teddy's last letter.

		Dear Miss Thompson,
		I wanted you to be the first to know.  As of today, I am
	Theodore J. Stallard, MD.  How about that!!!???  I'm going to be 
	married in July, the 22nd to be exact.  I wanted to ask you if you 
	would come and sit where Mom would sit if she were here.  I will 
	have no family there as Dad died last year.
			Very Truly yours,
			Teddy Stallard

	I am no sure what kind of card one sends to a doctor on 
completion of medical school and professional boards.  Maybe I'll just 
wait and take a wedding gift, but my congratulations can't wait.

		Dear Ted,
		Congratulations!  You made it and you did it yourself!
	In spite of those like me and because of us, the day has finally
	come for you.  God bless you.  I'll be at that wedding with bells on!
			
			Miss Thompson
	

25 THOUGHTS TO GET YOU THROUGH ALMOST ANY CRISIS

author unknown

1.	Indecision is the key to flexibility.
2.	You cannot tell which way the train went by looking at the track.
3.	The is absolutely no substitute for a genuine lack of preparation.
4.	Happiness is merely the remission of pain.
5.	Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
6.	Sometimes too much drink is not enough.
7.	The facts, although interesting, are irrelevant.
8.	The careful application of terror is also a form of communication.
9.	Someone who thinks logically is a nice contrast to the real world.
10.	Things are more like they are today than they ever have been before.
11.	Anything worth fighting for is worth fighting dirty for.
12.	Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.
13.	Friends may come and go, but enemies accumulate.
14.	I have seen the truth and it makes no sense.
15.	Suicide is the most sincere form of self-criticism.
16.	All things being equal, fat people use more soap.
17.	If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind 
		to blame.
18.	One-seventh of your life is spent on Monday.
19.	By the time you can make ends meet, they moved the ends.
20.	Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
21.	The more you run over a dead cat, the flatter it gets.
22.	The is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
23.	This is as bad as it can get, but don't bet on it.
24.	Never wrestle with a pig: You both get all dirty, and the pig 
		likes it.
25.	The trouble with life is, you're halfway through it before you 
		realize it's a 'do it yourself' thing.

1996 NATIONAL SCIENCE BOWL

	For the third year in a row, Honolulu Community College hosted 
the Regional competition for the National Science Bowl.  Teams from 22 
Hawaii high school competed.  Each team consisted of four student members 
and one student alternate.  Following a morning of round robin matches, 
Punahou, Iolani, Maui High and Hilo High advanced to the afternoon 
semifinals.  Punahou and Iolani met in the finals in which their match 
was tied after the regulation time.  Iolani unseated the two time 
defending champ Punahou by winning the tie-breaker and capturing the 
title.  Iolani's winning team and coach are invited to participate at the 
National finals in Washington, D.C. later this spring.
	Don Bourassa, once again was the head coordinator for this 
competition.  Others from campus who assisted included;

Moderators:	Phil Hubbard	    Science Judges:	Chulee Grove
		Sam Rhoads	 			Sheila Yoder
		Kerry Tanimoto				Steve Gallo
		Arlene Yee				Bill Becker
		Dallas Shiroma				Fay Tamakawa
		Rick Brill	 			Roger Kwok
		Alice Bertram				Jerry Cerny
		Mark Schindler				John Sword
		Ron Takata
		John Shen	
		Frank Mauz			

FACULTY RESOURCE CORNER

	Stop by the Faculty Resource Corner (the rear left hand corner of 
the first floor) in the Library and check out the good stuff there.  You 
will find past copies of several newsletters; "Teaching for Success", 
"Women in Higher Education", and "The Teaching Professor".  Another 
valuable resource is several years of "Innovation Abstracts" with an 
index by date and title that we have plus those that the Employment 
Training Center have on file.  Posted on the bulletin board are 
guidelines for Reappointment Application and Tenure/Promotion Dossier 
preparation.  If you are looking for housing or have housing to rent, the 
"Exchange" is the place to go!  "Exchange" is a monthly bulletin produced 
by the UH Women's Campus Club.   It has sections on Housing Wanted, 
Housing for Rent, Housing to Share, Exchange Housing, House-sitting and 
Wheels & Miscellaneous.  The latest "Exchange" is also posted on the 
bulletin board.  (Lou Willand will be watching)!

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

DIVISION I

	Barbara Peterson, Lecturer and retired Professor, is happy to be 
teaching two TV courses in World History this spring semester.  She is a 
Research Associate at Bishop Museum for three years (1995-1998).  She is 
now on campus teaching the TV courses and states that partial retirement 
is wonderful but is glad to see her many friends again.  Barbara has 
published a new book titled John Bull's Eye on America with the National 
Fulbright Association.

	Lorna Mount, Lecturer, Music, is performing in the opera 
"Rigiletto" which just opened in Honolulu.  Make-up for this opera is 
being provided by Kathy Kamakaiwi, Assistant Professor, Cosmetology.  At 
one of the last dress rehearsals, prior to the opening of an opera, an 
'Opera for Everyone' performance is offered.  At a much reduced price, 
students and community members can attend and enjoy this performance.  
Lorna will be singing the lead in "Daughter of the Regiment" opening on 
March 29.  The 'Opera for Everyone' performance will be on March 27.

DIVISION II

	Bob Vericker, Instructor, Administration of Justice, is new to 
the HCC campus this semester.  He has taken over the AJ program from Gary 
Nitchman.  Bob has recently retired as a Special Agent for over 29 years 
with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he primarily investigated 
violent crime and/or major offenders.  He worked in Tennessee, Detroit 
and New York City before his transfer to Honolulu.  He earned a B.A. in 
Philosophy/Sociology from St. John's University and a Masters from John 
Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.  He has 
taught courses to law enforcement professionals in New York, Hawaii, 
Guam, Saipan, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of 
Micronesia as well as classes a Chaminade.  Bob lives in Kailua with his 
wife and three sons and has been active in youth sports.  He states that 
he enjoys racquetball, softball, and meatballs!  Please welcome Bob as 
you see him on campus this spring.

DIVISION IV

	How does one get three UH-1H Huey helicopters from Hilo to 
Honolulu without being able to fly them?  This question has challenged 
Gordon Clendenen, Instructor, Aeronautics, the past few months.  These 
retired National Guard helicopters, which had not flown in nearly two 
years, have been purchased by HCC and the Aeronautics Department.  
Partially dismantling the helicopters, strapping them to cargo pallets, 
and barging them to Honolulu was the answer.  Joining Gordon in trekking 
to Hilo to assist in the dismantling and packing were Brian Isaacson, 
Assistant Professor, Aeronautics, Jerry Cerny, Instructor, Special 
Programs, and Mike Willett, Educational Specialist, Aeronautics.  
Although these helos will never fly again,  the Aeronautics instructors 
will use them as teaching aids and hope to soon operate the engines and 
turn the bladed.  Stop by the Aeronautics Facility sometime and see the 
latest additions to their growing fleet of aircraft at the facility.
 
DIVISION VII

	Sherrie Rupert, Career Counselor, and Lianne Nagano, Assistant 
Professor (Developmental Studies, English), The Learning Center, recently 
attended a Girls Entering Math and Science, GEMS, conference at Kapiolani 
Community College.  This conference was geared to educating 5th and 6th 
grade girls and their parents about the possibilities and excitement of 
further study and careers in math and science related fields.
	
DIVISION VIII

	Jon Blumhardt, Director, Educational Media Center, was recently 
elected President of the Pan Pacific Distance Learning Association 
(PPDLA).  He also recently had an article titled "Making the Jump into 
Cyberspace" published in Education at a Distance, a publication of the 
U.S. Distance Education Association.  His article discussed paradigm 
shifts needed in relation to distance education for the 21st century.

____________________________________________________________________________

If your activities/news were not included in the Faculty Spotlight and 
you wish them to be, pass the information on to any FD Committee member.  
The information will be included in the next issue of the Faculty 
Development Newsletter.
______________________________________________________________________________

This newsletter was organized and published by your HCC Faculty 
Development Committee.  Members:  Jerry Cerny, (Coordinator, Co-editor), 
Wayne Lewis, (Co-editor), Grace Ihara, Kathy Kamakaiwi, Pat Gooch, Lei 
Lani Hinds, Elizabeth Sakamaki, Ivan Nitta, Mike Jennings, Shanon Miho, 
and Evelyn Puaa.