Instructor Spotlight!
The East County Campus is pleased to introduce you to Heidi Weiss-Green.
Heidi is a Full-time Faculty member with the Math and Science Division and has been teaching at EvCC for twenty years. Heidi earned her B.S. and M.S. at Western Washington University. Beginning in the Fall 2013 Quarter, Heidi will join the East County Campus Team as the first full-time faculty member at East County.
We hope you will join us in congratulating Heidi as our featured Instructor and we know you will enjoy reading our interview with Heidi.
ECC Staff: What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching?
Heidi: While in graduate school at Western Washington University, I taught a math class each quarter in order to make some money, but ended up totally falling in love with teaching. Even though I was taking really hard math classes myself, I spent all my spare time thinking about the class I was teaching and my students! That’s when I knew I should be a teacher. I remember my dad telling me that I would make a lot more money in industry but I didn’t care one bit.
ECC Staff: What do you hope you will be able to contribute to the East County Campus?
Heidi: I hope that I can help students in the East County Campus by teaching math, advising them about classes and degrees, and just being there to help them however I can. I have been teaching math at EvCC for many years and hopefully can share my knowledge and experience with those in the East County Campus. I will be working full-time with a real office and office hours at this campus starting unofficially this summer and officially this fall. Exciting!
ECC Staff: After teaching at East County during the Winter Quarter, could you share your thoughts about the campus?
Heidi: It’s a really nice place to be with the scenic view from all the classrooms, the stress-free parking, and the friendly staff. I also like how there’s a nice variety of courses for students to choose from without being overwhelming, and that most classes meet twice a week. It gives students lots of options.
ECC Staff: Do you believe you have a particular teaching style and what would that be?
Heidi: I guess I would have to say that I am organized, thorough, and hard-working but am still pretty laid back. I believe that students should expect to work hard, but also should feel relaxed and comfortable in class. I tell my students that if I ever make them feel embarrassed for asking a question, then I am in the wrong profession. Teachers get paid to help students understand; it’s pretty simple.
ECC Staff: We all know math can be a lot of fun and is very important in our everyday lives. As an Instructor how can you work with students that have not yet embraced math?
Heidi: I think the best advice that I can give to a student who is especially nervous about math is to try to be really prepared to take math exams. They can do this by doing all the homework and summarizing the material before the exam so they don’t get the problems mixed up during the exam. It’s a lot of work but when the student does well, their confidence soars and they actually start to like it. Math is funny that way. It’s a nightmare when you don’t get it, but when you do, it’s actually really fun!
ECC Staff: What advice would you give to students preparing for their first year in college?
Heidi: Try your best to get good grades, they really do matter. It’s great to learn and practice good study skills from the beginning which also helps boost your confidence. It’s often a big adjustment going from high school to college because of pace, expectations, etc. but you can do great if you just stick with it. Also if you have been away from school for a while or have struggled in the past, it can be intimidating. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and talk to your teachers if you are confused about anything. Remember our jobs are to help you succeed here at EvCC.
ECC Staff: As students earn their degree and certificate at EvCC, what would be your words to them as they prepare to enter the workforce or earn a higher degree?
Heidi: If you are going for a higher degree, just keep in mind that education pays off, so no matter how hard it gets, stick with it. You will one day have a job you love and have money to take care of your family and do things you love. In general, do your personal best in ANY job you have; the more you put into something, the more you will get out of it. Your good reputation will open doors for you (now I sound like a fortune cookie!
ECC Staff: When you are not in the classroom, grading papers or preparing for class, what keeps you busy?
Heidi: I really like to work out using weights and doing Zumba, etc. Also I love going to lots of rock concerts. I am crazy about animals and have many: 3 dogs, 3 cats, and one turtle. I also spend time decorating my house for holidays and parties.
ECC Staff: Is there anything else that you would like people to know about you?
Heidi: Oh my goodness that’s probably enough of my babbling!
Thank you Heidi for your many contribution to EvCC and the East County Campus. Your dedication and leadership to students, staff and other faculty is deeply appreciated. We are glad you are a part of EvCC and most importantly a team member at the East County Campus.
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