Headlines
- Service-Learning Celebrates Successful Semester
- Early College Teacher named Western Region Teacher of the Year
- Student Business Incubator Seeking Applicants
- BCT alumni and students attend reception
- Bookstore has Fresh Coffee and Tea
- Carpentry Students Build in Bailey
- Children's Holiday Party brings cheer
- Dianne Cotter Honored at Reception
- Campbell receives Faculty Access Award
- Historical Association Lecture
- Holiday Lights on Campus
- Nominate a Staff Member of the Year
- Nominate a Top Teacher
- Universal Campaign 2010
- Tech Notes
Service-Learning Celebrates Successful Semester
Members of Patti Cutspec’s Communications classes help with the fund raising at the Presbyterian Children’s Home during the fall semester, as one of the numerous projects performed by students participating in Service-Learning.
A-B Tech had 99 classes incorporate Service-Learning during the fall semester, the highest number of classes ever in one semester.
Students performed thousands of hours of service in the community and made valuable connections with what they were learning in class. Also, many added the experience of career exploration and networking.
"In a recent national study, classes incorporating Service-Learning had higher rates of student engagement, learning outcomes and retention," said Lloyd Weinberg, Director of Service-Learning.
Weinberg received the following e-mail last week. "This is one of many stories I am lucky to hear almost every day," he said.
I found a great volunteering gig for my Spanish class at Oakley Elementary. Their ESL teacher hosts an afterschool homework club in her classroom. I was perfect for me because I don't get out of my last class until 1:50 and home work club starts at 2:15 and goes till 3:00 Mon through Thurs. Any child is welcome to join the homework club but it is specifically intended for children whose second language is English. These kids are often at a disadvantage when it comes to homework because their parents usually don't speak much English and are unable to understand the assignments or assist their children with them. During homework club, the kids gather in the classroom and volunteers are available to answer questions and provide assistance. Most of the kids speak English so it's not necessary to be proficient in a foreign language in order to assist them. It does fulfill the requirement for service learning though because the volunteers are working directly with native speakers of a different language and hearing them speak to each. There are mostly Spanish speaking children in homework club so it is great for anyone wanting to volunteer for Spanish class.
I enjoyed my experience so much that I have continued volunteering there one day a week even though my required hours were fulfilled in October. The kids have really come to like me and I them; I couldn't bear to leave and disappoint them. If you recall, you told me that I should consider teaching. Well, I still don't know what I want to do but I will say that this experience really opened my eyes to the joys of watching someone learn and benefit from my help. I have developed a strong connection with two little boys in particular and every time I sit down with them and watch them using strategies that I taught them...the joy is overwhelming. Just wanted to let you know what happened to me and thank you so much for all of your advice during our visit. I enjoyed speaking with you very much and hope I will have the opportunity to do so again.
Elise
Instructors Incorporating Service-Learning
- Linda Campbell, 1 class
- Jessica Chilton, 2 classes
- Sarah Nunez, 1 class
- Aubrey Ray, 5 classes
- Lloyd Weinberg, 2 classes
- Helen Burrell, 3 classes
- Laurel Young,3 classes
- Elizabeth Nealon, 4 classes
- Peter Carver,3 classes
- Jan Caldwell, 1 class
- Brian Longacre, 5 classes
- Ellen Perry, 1 classes
- Melanie Parham, 4 classes
- Rhonda Davidson, 6 classes
- Mary Ogden, 3 classes
- Laura Chaney, 2 classes
- Rebecca Davis, 3 classes
- Gigi Derballa, 1 class
- Phil Lingle, 1 class
- Betsy Hester, 5 classes
- Bob Zeoli, 4 classes
- Renee Robb-Cohen, 1 class
- Marek Sawicki, 1 class
- Michael Sitzer, 1 class
- Laura Brown, 1 class
- Rock Doddridge, 5 classes
- Share Friedman, 6 classes
- Leslie Newman, 4 classes
- Natale Polinko, 2 classes
- Allison Stinson, 1 class
- Patti Cutspec, 6 classes
- Marlon Garren, 3 classes
- Aiden Hoyal, 4 classes
- Cynthia Nicholson, 3 classes
- Sarah Thomas, 3 classes
- Valerie Watts, 3 classes
The following are student answers to the question, "What did you learn?"
- I learned that just an hour a week of my time could have such a great and positive impact on another person's life.
- I love working with children.
- I learned better communication skills and I also got to meet different people from different cultures which I love.
- I definitely learned that I am not the only person who struggles and needs assistance. I learned to be more humble and content with what I have and don't have.
- I learned that it feels really good to help people and that it builds good karma when you give back to your community.
- I learned how the foster system works.
- I was surprised to learn how much need there is in the community. In the future I will look for more volunteer opportunities.
- I learned about special needs kids and will continue to be a coach for Special Olympics.
- I learned more about the lifestyles of women and children living in shelters.
- I learned that I really enjoy working with middle school students and plan to continue volunteering there.
- I learned how to move old people safely to weigh them.
- I believe volunteering is the most important contribution I can make to my community.
- I learned that a teacher's job can be hard sometimes, but the rewards that come from teaching a small child are simply priceless.
- I learned that the elderly are sweet and kind and not annoying....helping others is not boring.
Stay tuned to read about Patti Cutspec's classes and the numerous projects in which they participated.
Early College Teacher named Western Region Teacher of the Year
Buncombe County Early College English teacher Eric Grant reacts after hearing the news he was selected as North Carolina's western region teacher of the year. Grant was chosen from teachers serving 17 WNC counties, and will now compete against seven other teachers for state teacher of the year.
Student Business Incubator Seeking Applicants
The most recent tenants of A-B Tech's Student Business Incubator Program are (back row) Mary Dill, Neville Schork, Terry Dill, (front row) Victor Ochoa, and Kelley Canaday.
The Student Business Incubator Program, a 12-month extracurricular activity designed to provide a nurturing, supportive environment to A-B Tech students who want to start their own business, is accepting applications through March 4.
The program is administered by the A-B Tech Center for Business and Technology Incubation and is located at A-B Tech's Enka campus.
Students interested in participating in this program must submit an application and go through a selection process where they are expected to interview and present a thorough business plan. Four student run businesses will then be selected to participate in this program which is from July - June of each year.
Information sessions will be held at noon Jan. 26 and again at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 27 in Room 121 of Holly Library.
For more information, please contact Jill Sparks, jsparks@abtech.edu or visit abtech.edu/sbc/sbi.
Tech Talk is published by the Community Relations and Marketing Department for employees, students, and friends of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
Editor: Mona Cornwell, Writer: Martha Ball, Designers: Justin Page, April Sides
Send submissions to: Mona Cornwell, Director of Community Relations and Marketing, at mcornwell@abtech.edu
Publication of the next issue is scheduled for February 1. Deadline for submissions is January 21.