Issue link: http://tcnj.uberflip.com/i/1298407
35 FALL 2020 DAVID PRENSKY Management His mastery of the latest tech made for a memorable semester. It was pretty clear from the start of the semester that David Prensky wasn't the most tech-savvy professor. So when we went to remote learning because of the coronavirus pandemic, I didn't know what to expect. But he learned to use Zoom so we could get the fullest seminar experience possible. He tuned us in to webinars that gave additional information to help on our assignments, and he was available via email when we needed him, not just during his office hours. The way he handled the change in format enabled me to be successful in class and learn to use the resources around me rather than get defeated when things don't go my way. Although it was remote, I consider my last semester at TCNJ a huge success that I'll remember forever. — Melissa Boltas '20 STEVEN SINGER Education My students are my co-researchers. I am known for having extremely high expectations of my students, believing that if students feel safe and respected, they will rise to any challenge. Last year, I put that to the test with three student co-researchers working on an extensive project from conception to publication. I scaffolded each process and we frequently discussed our feelings in authentic ways. Very quickly, these students became colleagues making justified decisions and exceeding every single one of my hopes for the work. This changed me as a teacher and mentor. Reciprocity has never felt so good. NATASHA PATTERSON Public Health I connect with students' energy and passion. The best educators are the ones who haven't forgotten what it was like to be a student. I purposefully connect with students through their interests, energy, and passion. Physically, students know where and when to find me; I answer my emails quickly. Emotionally, I demonstrate compassion and empathy with students. I'm not afraid to be real with them. I understand that they have so much that they have to balance. I spent a night last semester emailing with a student about health-policy ideas — she was really trying to understand a problem, and we went back and forth until she got it. It was a great interaction. ■ Faculty talk continued from page 33 Emily Nunn's words are frequently found in The New Yorker, The Chicago Tribune, and Vogue.