One of my professors got denied tenure because well. we are not sure why. Everything was in order and her portfolio was great as well as her students comments. This is a letter I wrote in protest.
May 6, 2009
To the tenure board of Muskingum College:
As a former student and a former employee of Muskingum College, I have great pride in saying that I am a Muskie. I spent four enjoyable years at the school, making the Dean’s list many times and graduating with honors. I choose from the beginning to study education, English, and history. I took courses that weren’t expected of me due to the fact that my professors inspired me to learn more. As required in my methods for languages arts education class taught by Dr. Shine, I read the book Night. Eli Wesel’s transition from darkness to light while he deals with the ramifications personally felt by the Holocaust, reflects my transition from a naïve, narrow minded person to a person who has an undying yearn to learn more and attempt to view issues from many different perspectives.
Dr. Shine, in specific, helped me on my path of where and who I am today. I currently teach at a prestigious international school in the Czech Republic. Many people put me on my path here but one professor pushed me towards, The Road Not Taken. Dr. Shine was one professor behind me, nudging me to go off the well beaten path, towards one that promised a different experience. She saw a glint of interest in my eye and as a caring professor, helped me achieve something truly unique. The first interest would be travel as a way to learn about the world around you. This led to a memorable trip to Italy which Dr. Shine led and fund raised for. The trip opened my eyes to a different culture and inspired me to want to know more.
Secondly, she whole heartedly encouraged my decision to student teach abroad and told me that going to a non-English speaking country would prove to be something that I could tackle. With her zest of encouragement, I was the first student teacher from Muskingum College to go to a non-English speaking country. Through me, Dr. Shine set an example to other students not to limit yourself in your zone of linguist comfort.
Not only has Dr. Shine encouraged me in my profession, but she has also taught me how to work well in collaborative groups. This has proved to be a well taught lesson in my present work place. During her classes, her lessons were student based and explorative. On our trip to Italy, our presentation to the Italian school was formed during collaborative group work. This helped me work with other people in my specific profession that might not have the same ideas as me.
The assignment to read Night opened my eyes to a man’s journey after the Holocaust. I, myself, on a journey was led to the light of questioning the world around me and wanting to learn more. Dr. Shine was always right there behind me nudging me and whispering words of encouragement to me.
Please reconsider your denial for tenure for Dr. Shine. The Latin etymology of liberal is free. Dr. Shine has helped me go from the darkness of not knowing about the world to a lighter area of education and knowledge, giving me freedom. As a professor, a mother and a friend, she is a person who truly cares about the education of young people and their desire to know more in all aspects of study. After all, isn’t that what a liberal arts college stands for?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Rachel Michel
Muskingum Class of 2008
Teacher of English, drama, and geography
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2 comments:
Rachel,
That is one GREAT letter. Obviously this professor led you in the right direction. Seems to me after reading your letter that Muskingum should be proud to have such a professor on it's tenured staff. If she inspires even one more student to the heights she inspired you there should be no question about tenure. We'll be looking forward to seeing you soon! Love, Brutus and Co.
nice letter.
but you are the world's ultimate suck up :)
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