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Photo by Devin Courtright/The Advocate
Jean Aguilar, part-time computer information services instructor.
Part-time instructor seeks partnership with students
The Advocate
MHCC’s part-time computer information systems instructor Jean Aguilar was awarded a Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching for “doing a good job in teaching and working well with students.”
“I’m very thankful for the people I work with; that’s what makes us make it. When everybody works together well, it makes it easier to be a good teacher,” said Aguilar.
The awarding process started when Aguilar, who has been an instructor at MHCC for 14 years, was nominated by submissions from students, teachers and other faculty members.
“I know my peers put things (submissions) in; I know (the) Cast Department put some stuff in and students.
All the submissions would go to the instructors’ supervisor for additional comments, and then the Part-time Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award selection committee would review the submissions.
After being approved by the committee’s criteria, Aguilar received a plaque from John Sygielski last month and received an award of $250 from the MHCC Foundation two weeks ago in early October.
“It was really interesting to go there (the foundation) because they help to earn money for students to go to school, and they help to earn money for the college, so things are not expensive; they are very energetic people,” said Aguilar.
Aguilar spoke to the MHCC District board members at their October meeting.
“They were very nice, we have a nice board. They were very congenial and very nice for getting their business done very efficiently; I think we have a good board,” said Aguilar.
Aguilar believes one of the ways to be a good instructor is through patience, clarity and “open communications” with students.
“The biggest thanks I receive from students is for being patient. I believe having patience helps students realize that they do not need to stress, but to relax and go with the learning experience,” said Aguilar.
“I recognize the various learning styles and try to accommodate for these styles by implementing various objectives and work assignments, thus helping all students to learn,” said Aguilar.
Aguilar also considers teamwork to be an important factor in teaching.
“I also believe a good instructor knows that you must work as a team player to provide the best learning environment for a student.
This team consists of many people on campus. It is a privilege to be a part of a team that provides a service for students and the community,” said Aguilar.
This term Aguilar is teaching CIS 120 and CIS 125WP and can also be found working at Gladstone High School.
“I’m very happy in the department I’m working in. They are very good at helping, advising, and are there for you,” said Aguilar.
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