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Last Updated: Feb 18th, 2009 - 12:23:13 |
There are probably as many ways to teach writing as there are composition teachers. Adria Zimmerman follows the inspiration of a favorite high school English teacher in her approach.
“I had a fabulous high school English teacher, Jim Shields, who had great class discussions,” Zimmerman said. “He was funny and lively and made us feel like each of our contributions was worthy, that our insights had value and were worth listening to.”
Zimmerman, who teaches several different English composition classes at CR, was recently named CR’s Associate (or part-time) Faculty of the Year for 2006-2007.
Like Shields, she said she “tries to make all of her students feel like they are contributing in a worthwhile way. I try to be real and let them know I am a human being. ”
Zimmerman, who also teaches English composition part-time at Humboldt State University, teaches English 350 and English 150, which are developmental classes, as well English 1A, the transfer-level course. She said that often in the developmental classes, students lack confidence, sometimes to a serious degree.
“I try to build their confidence and change their perspective with positive encouragement,” said Zimmerman, who has been teaching at CR since 2002. For English 1A, where she teaches the Popular Culture theme, she helps her students develop more complex arguments and move beyond the five-paragraph essay.
Some of her colleagues at CR believe she has been remarkably successful with her students. CR associate faculty member Timaree Marston said, “Students have informed me that had it not been for Adria’s enthusiasm that they might not have stayed in school. If I were to ask any of Adria’s students about her effectiveness as a teacher, they would confirm what I know to be true: she is an excellent teacher.”
Leslie Leach, who runs CR’s Writing Center, said, “I’m in a position to hear what students think of their teachers, and I have heard so many positive remarks from students about what a fine teacher Adria Zimmerman is.”
Zimmerman, originally from Orange County, California, was educated at both California community college and in the California State University systems. She attended Cal State Fullerton for a semester and then transferred to Saddleback Community College. She then came up to CR and went there for a year. She transferred to HSU the following year and earned a bachelor of arts degree in English with teacher preparation and literature emphases. In 2001 she was awarded a master of arts degree in the teaching of writing.
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