Our Course Leaders
Who Are Our Course Leaders?
The Collegium board relishes the high praise we’ve received for a program devoted to offering rich, intellectual experiences to its membership: “What an interesting course! Where did you find such an excellent leader?” Yet Collegium is an all-volunteer organization: those who teach do so for the love of teaching and the joy of sharing knowledge. Their only reward is an exchange of ideas and the pleasure of seeing participants’ enjoyment. So who are these altruistic teachers—and where do we find them?
Oftentimes we find teachers hiding in plain sight among Collegium’s board members and individual members; they generously bring their knowledge, perspective, and personal passions into our classrooms. Some have been educators, others have not. Some have advanced degrees, others extensive professional experience. A long-cultivated love of music, history, art, poetry, law, or more becomes the focus of a painstakingly planned six-week class.
Our curriculum chair, the curriculum committee, and board members are constantly alert to recruiting opportunities. Referrals from within Westchester Community College, the Westchester Community College Foundation, and Collegium members generate potential course leaders. Networking, too, initiates new relationships with community professionals whose expertise may appeal to our members. Casual discussions have blossomed into courses on Shakespeare, art, philosophy, finance, political science, architecture, literature, issues in contemporary Africa, and other intriguing subjects.
Westchester Community College faculty are willing to share their extensive knowledge by teaching in Collegium’s programs purely for the pleasure of working with mature, intellectually curious adults. Retired faculty members delight in the opportunity to donate their time and knowledge without the burden of grading tests or reading term papers.
What is vital to every successful course is not only the leader’s expertise, but also his or her ability to teach well, to stimulate students. The most successful course leader—the enthusiastic, inspirational instructor—is someone who loves a topic and makes others love it too. Such a person makes our classroom experiences rewarding and memorable long after the Collegium semester has ended.