What you wish you knew then, that you know
now as a faculty member:
When I started teaching here, I thought I had to get everything right or the students would rebel. But I discovered that as long as I offer a course in good faith, having tried to incorporate everything the students need to learn the material, and as long as I'm willing to adjust along the way, when I get it wrong, the students here are very generous: giving instructors the benefit of the doubt.
What three steps do you take to prepare for
the school year?
I look at my room, if I haven't taught in it before, imagining how I will use it. I practive little bits of "first day" lectures, thinking about who my students are and what they might be worried about. I think about what worked well and what didn't work so well last year.
Most used campus resource and why:
The library, because it is an inspiring collection of passion and learning, especially the graduate reading room in Suzzallo, because it is so beautiful.
Most practical advice for balancing teaching,
scholarship, research and life:
Keep track of "days off" and if you haven't had one recently, take one. Sometimes you need a whole day off just for your life outside of teaching, scholarship, and research.
In and Around the Northwest
Favorite Northwest activity
or pastime:
Day drives around the area. One of our favorite drives is the Mountain Loop Highway, near Darrington, but there are many, many beautiful day trips around Seattle.
Favorite weekend getaway:
Bellingham. The best used book store in the country is in Bellingham: Henderson's Books.
Best family-friendly activity:
Walking through any of the Seattle parks: Carkeek, Golden Gardens, Discovery Park, the Arboretum, Ravenna Park, Seward Park, and many more.
Best pet-friendly activity:
Our favorite parks have off-leash areas of the dogs: Maguson Park on Lake Washington and Marymoor Park in Redmond.
Favorite happy hour and/or restaurant:
Mediterranean Kitchen at the bottom of Queen Anne Hill.
Favorite place to get cheap eats:
Panda Express Chinese Food.
What do you recommend a newcomer to the area
must do and not miss:
Walk around Pioneer Square, looking at the shops and art galleries.
Fun fact – my childhood aspiration
was to be……..
An airline stewardess so I could travel.
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