Faculty Excellence at UMUC

Interviewer:

Please tell us about yourself—what made you decide to teach at UMUC? What kind of work do you do when you are not teaching at UMUC? Are there any life experiences that have influenced your teaching at UMUC? If so, please share one story.

Anne-Marie Hubbell:

I had trained to teach both Interactive Television Courses and Web courses via Blackboard through a previous employer. I really enjoyed teaching with technology. I thought that that distance education courses were—in many ways—a more rigorous and challenging environment for students. I began researching universities that specialized in distance education. UMUC stood out as a leader in this kind of technology. 

When I am not teaching at UMUC I write, create masks, act and stage performances.

I had some incredible teachers who really encouraged me to "think around corners." One of my high school teachers and I would exchange stories. He really fostered my belief in myself at a crucial time. I’ve been lucky to have wonderful mentors and teachers and I think that I strive to bring that quality into my courses.

Interviewer:

How would you describe your teaching style or philosophy? What experiences or person(s) have influenced your style or philosophy?

Anne-Marie Hubbell:

A lot of my students mention that I’m a responsive teacher. I try to meet my students where they are in their own skills. That is the place where we begin the work.

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve had wonderful mentors/teachers who were so generous in their ability to give. My graduate advisor, for one, really worked closely with me on developing my dissertation project. She has a wonderful ability to help her students "think around corners." She would say, "Good. Now that you’ve got that done—let’s look at it from another perspective." I thought that it was a great way to work on critical thinking skills. 

Interviewer:

Please explain if you do something special or unique in your teaching and what made you develop this.

Anne-Marie Hubbell:

I enjoy using humor, empathy, and patience—when possible—with my students. I have a note next to my computer reminding me that part of my job is to "inspire" my students. Yes, it is imperative to get the work done. Inspiration is the fuel that students need to burn to get the work done.

Interviewer:

What do you think it is about your teaching style that appeals to students?

Anne-Marie Hubbell:

I want my students to succeed.

Interviewer:

Do you teach face-to-face, online, or both? Do you have a preference between teaching face-to-face and online? If so, please explain.

Anne-Marie Hubbell:

I love teaching online. I think that it is—in some ways—a more rigorous format for both teacher and student.

Interviewer:

Please tell us about your chosen discipline-i.e., what made you interested in the area initially? What do you do to stay current in your discipline? What do you like best about teaching in your discipline?

Anne-Marie Hubbell:

I was a performer initially so all aspects of communication fascinated me.

Ongoing professional development courses, writing and presenting articles, conferences, and lots and lots of reading are all methods that I use to try to stay current. In addition, I listen to what my peers are doing and studying.

I like the fact that what I do affects the student’s whole learning experience. I love inspiring students.

Interviewer:

What is the most challenging to you in teaching in this area? What teaching strategy do you use when you encounter the challenge? Are there any special challenges in teaching this subject matter online?  If yes, please explain what could be done to meet the challenges.

Anne-Marie Hubbell:

I am frustrated when students give up on themselves and their possibility for excellence. It is very disturbing. The main thing that I do is persist in offering students an alternative to "giving up."

Students sometimes want to hear your voice. They gather a lot of information from the way that you present your information. I think that the use of audio and other multimedia will help students with these kinds of needs.

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to students who are interested in majoring or working in your discipline?

Anne-Marie Hubbell:

Be willing to dive into research and be willing to chase answers.

Interviewer:

In your opinion, what makes UMUC the college of choice for students?

Anne-Marie Hubbell:

The wonderful faculty, advisors, and staff all make this the best school for students.

Interviewer:

In your opinion, what makes UMUC the employer of choice for future faculty members?

Anne-Marie Hubbell:

The mentoring and the wonderful openness that I’ve experience with fellow faculty members make UMUC a great place to work.

Interviewer:

What suggestion would you give to new faculty who are interested in teaching in your discipline at UMUC?

Anne-Marie Hubbell:

I would get some training in online teaching and jump in.