FACULTY FOCUS
Rhonda Clark Clinical instructor, curriculum and instruction Rhonda Clark uses her passion as a motivation tool to help her students achieve their goals of teaching after graduation. “I am here because I have a passion for students. By teaching at a university, I can pass on those skills and passion, and inspire those going into education,” Clark said. “I bond with my students by helping them build confidence, designing lessons they can connect with and including lots of laughter.” Clark hopes by being “real” with her students, that she can help them better relate and understand what she is teaching. “I want to help them achieve their dreams,” she said. “I want to help them become leaders in the schools that they will teach in, and most importantly, impact the children they teach in a positive way.”
“I want to help them achieve their dreams...”
Dr. Jennifer Schroeder Assistant professor, psychology and special education Dr. Jennifer Schroeder teaches a subject that has always been of interest to her-psychology. “It is an area of great significance to me because I love to learn about assisting students and teachers in the public school system,” Schroeder said. “There is also always something new and exciting to learn.” Schroeder’s excitement for teaching also was recognized in 2008, when she received the A&M-Commerce Neill Humfeld Distinguished Faculty Award for Service. “I enjoy working closely with students at A&M-Commerce, which is possible because of smaller class sizes,” Schroeder said. Schroeder attributes much of the program’s success to the camaraderie within the department. “The university’s close knit atmosphere and the flexibility allow students to pursue an advanced degree,” she said. “Our commitment to each other and to the program is what makes our students successful.”
“Our commitment to each other and to the program is what makes our students successful.” Fall 2009 39