10 Things I Learned in My First Year As a College Professor

I just finished my first year of teaching at the college level. I spent the first three quarters of the year teaching an introductory humanities course at Southeastern University, and I spent the final quarter of the year teaching an MA class in apologetics at Houston Baptist University entitled “Ancient Philosophy and Culture.” To say that this experience has been eye-opening would be an understatement. I recently told one of my former professors that I have an entirely new appreciation for everything she did for us now that I am on the other side of the desk. Below you will find a short list of some of the most important lessons I have learned this year. Perhaps all of you who have been teaching at the university level for a long time already know all this stuff, but I hope they might be helpful to someone.

1. One of the best ways to build rapport with students is to respond quickly, compassionately, and succinctly. Say what you mean, kindly, with minimal time for issues to fester into something worse.

2. Enforce deadlines consistently. In my first quarter, I was far too lenient. There are always reasons to be flexible that must be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, in general, hold firm with deadlines.

3. Constantly remind students of deadlines. It makes the process of Lesson 2 substantially easier when you can point to several communications where you reminded them of something. They can’t say they didn’t know.

4. Tailor your expectations to the level of your class. In my introduction to humanities class, a genuine effort at engagement counts for a lot. In my MA apologetics class, I need to see more substantial intellectual rigor.

5. Encourage, encourage, encourage. College can be hard. Don’t lower your standards, but remember that sometimes people need to hear that they can achieve and be successful.

6. Hold your syllabus in high esteem. The syllabus is your contract with your students. If they have to abide by it, so do you. If there are any unintentional discrepancies or inconsistencies, those should be acknowledged and reconciled in the most student-favorable way possible. I had an issue where some of my dates were incorrect one quarter. I honored the latest possible submission date.

7. When teaching online, your feedback is the main way you “speak” with your students. Try to add value and help them improve much like a book or magazine editor.

8. Discussion boards are most valuable when faculty members get involved (this is a hallmark of the Houston Baptist apologetics program). I didn’t say tons, but I think it was beneficial for my students to know that I kept my eye on what they were doing and cared about their responses. Typically, I would just add some question to try to push the discussion further.

9. Ask for advice often. I am the new guy, I don’t know a lot, but I was able to learn a lot from some incredibly supportive people. I want to take this opportunity to specifically thank people who have given me advice and encouragement this year. Thank you, Rustin Lloyd, Marybeth Baggett, Kelly Fitzsimmons Burton, Melissa Cain Travis, Miguel Benitez, Michael Licona, Holly Ordway, David Baggett, and probably someone else who I have unintentionally forgotten to thank but hopefully will not offend.

10. Have fun. Learning should be fun for the students, and it should be fun for the teacher. Especially when teaching online, if you humanize yourself, your students will be more willing to open up and share. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Take your studies seriously.

I don’t know if any of these thoughts are helpful, but I hope they might be. It has been a great first year, and I have learned a lot. I’m looking forward to continuing my academic journey. I have to say, though, just like when I was a student, I am grateful for summer vacation!