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Southwest’s Summer Institute tackles topics and tactics, from pedagogy to the pandemic

By Chris Caldwell 

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Studies Joanitha Barnes and Dean of Division of Humanities, Social Sciences and Mathematics Dr. Sherria King enjoy the opening ceremony of Summer Institute 2022.
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Studies Joanitha
Barnes and Dean of Division of Humanities, Social
Sciences and Mathematics Dr. Sherria King enjoy the
opening ceremony of Summer Institute 2022.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence kicked off its 20th annual Summer Institute for faculty and staff May 10, 2022. This year’s professional development workshops and sessions focused on giving faculty and staff ideas to sharpen their tactics in managing the “new” teaching and learning environment in a post-pandemic world.  

 

(L-R) Natural science teachers Dr. Penny White (Bartlett High School) and Jenny Keisel (Germantown High School)
Natural science teachers Dr. Penny White
(Bartlett High School) and Jenny Keisel
(Germantown High School)

Natural science teachers Dr. Penny White (Bartlett High School) and Jenny Keisel (Germantown High School) opened the institute with a discussion on the mental and academic challenges students are facing as they re-enter the classroom for in-person learning after two years of virtual learning during the Coronavirus pandemic. Both Keisel and White agreed that students impacted by the pandemic will need more one-on-one time and assistance with mental health issues from teachers and school counselors. 

Southwest President Dr. Tracy D. Hall addresses faculty and staff at the 2022 Summer Institute
Southwest President Dr. Tracy D. Hall addresses
faculty and staff at the 2022 Summer Institute.

Southwest President Dr. Tracy D. Hall and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Kendricks Hooker, said the College’s new strategic plan and Academic Master Plan will guide Southwest in supporting today’s students. They emphasized the college’s commitment to students, community, and excellence in strengthening Southwest as a leader in higher education and workforce development. 

“Southwest will continue to be a resource hub for the Memphis community through our expanding efforts to solidify our workforce programs and our continuing efforts to ensure we stay relevant in this post-pandemic world,” Hall said. 

Dr. Paul Hernandez gave a virtual presentation on how faculty and staff can engage students from diverse communities.
Dr. Paul Hernandez gave a virtual presentation on
how faculty and staff can engage students from diverse
communities.

Closing out the Summer Institute was keynote speaker Dr. Paul Hernandez, vice president of academic and student affairs at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, Massachusetts. Hernandez gave faculty and staff his tips and best practices for connecting with vulnerable students in any community. 

“To have a sense of belonging, students must feel that they matter, and are cared about, accepted, respected and valued,” Hernandez said. “You cannot connect with students unless you are willing to be vulnerable and respond with empathy.”