Professor Fisher’s Debut

On Jan. 10, I embarked on an entirely new profession–college professor. I’m teaching a course at the College of Charleston as an adjunct faculty member. My course is Comm 230 – Writing for the Mass Media. It’s an introductory level course for students interested in pursuing careers in mass media (print, broadcast or online journalism as well as public relations).

I spent quite a bit of time on the syllabus, determining the assignments, projects and how to test students on news writing and the AP Stylebook. The first day I was incredibly nervous and hoped the students wouldn’t be able to smell my fear. I teach two mornings a week and each class has been a little easier. I know most of the students by first name and am starting to see who the more serious students are.

I’m only about 10 years older than most of the students, but they refer to me as “Professor Fisher” and sometimes “M’am,” which makes me feel ancient. Despite my lofty title, I can’t help but feel inadequate. Elementary and high school teachers receive years of specialized training. Yet, I graduate with a master’s degree and — presto — I’m ready to teach a college-level course.

So I’m drawing on my own college experiences and trying to be the kind of professor I liked: interesting, tough, fair. I’m trying to make my lectures engaging, inserting some anecdotes from my own work experience and encouraging class discussion. And I’ve made the coursework challenging with the hope my students will get a realistic taste of journalism.

I guess I’ll see if my formula worked when students complete course evaluations at the end of the semester. In the meantime, I’ll just enjoy my new status as “professor.”