The trend of sleep-deprived and overworked Americans is widely acknowledged. Unfortunately, these days, it’s a badge of pride to say you’ve been “too busy” to work out, call a friend, prepare real food to eat, or even sit down. From time to time, I feel myself falling into each of these categories. What’s so great…
“My dream is to become a university professor in TESOL and to perform research on best teaching practices for English language learners; I want to work with students who are learning English. Currently, I’m serving as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) at a Malaysian national secondary school named SMK Seri Nilam. My journey as…
The library was closing, and I desperately needed another audiobook to listen to. In the last 2 minutes before they shut the doors, I grabbed this book because it seemed like something that was almost up my alley. The Likeability Factor: How to Boost Your L-Factor and Achieve Your Life’s Dreams by Tim Sanders. Starting…
“ I currently teach full-time in Orlando, Florida, and I own a Human Communication Consulting business. I’m also writing a book for recent STEM graduates entering the workforce that’s a hybrid between a textbook and a self-help book. It’s about transferring public speaking soft skills from the classroom to the workplace. I’ve held many teaching…
Have you ever wondered why so many teachers seem so happy? Or maybe you’ve had your own incredible journey as an educator. Many will tell you that it’s not just about teaching, it’s about the learning that happens, the inspiration that can come from the classroom, and the people one meets. For some time I’ve…
I wanted to write my recent book to add a new element to my classroom, and it all turned out better than I had hoped. I’m starting to see the results, and the value of hard work and optimism. I’ve always refused to believe that you can’t squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of life’s…
I’ve been camped out on my living room couch for most of the summer, writing, reading, and sleeping longer hours than normal. A needed respite, and a much-appreciated perk of having summers off. Yesterday, however, marked a return to campus to teach a 6-week-long Summer class at my usual 8 am time. Despite having to…
I love it when the faculty development courses I take during the summer not only help me to teach classes more effectively and understand more about technology, but also help me with what my friends have lovingly deemed my “side hustle” (a.k.a. writing, blogging, and working on the Happy Professor brand). It seems everyone has…
It’s been in the works for a while. I had the urge to write another book, and the urge to add a new element to my public speaking courses. Then it occurred to me that I could do both at the same time. The 3-Step Speech: How to Build a Message, Feel Confident, and Have…
There’s something about being in the mountains. As I sit here looking into the woods from my makeshift office space, the familiar smell of wood and the sight of trees, as far as the eye can see, put me into a different frame of mind. There’s a calmness about it all that makes every part…