At the time of writing this, Midterm Break is coming to a close and snow is gently falling on what I find is an eerily quiet campus: one that seems more than ready for the return of thousands of learners. Over the past several days, I’ve chatted with course instructors who have all appreciated the opportunity that the break affords to slow down, to reflect, and to get ready for the second half of the term. As always, it has been inspiring to hear stories of student engagement and pedagogical innovation, but it has also been a clear reminder that teaching is hard work and that those who teach have to manage themselves just as much as they do their classrooms and curricula.
As you read this, you have likely participated in that campus return and are once again caught up in the cyclical process of teaching, experiencing its very real mental, physical, and social-emotional demands. It’s a simple reminder, but I hope you’re making the time to connect intentionally with your colleagues: in my most stressful times, I find it tremendously helpful to talk through challenging situations and even just the day-to-day of prep, delivery, and assessment. I hope, too, that you’re drawing on the resources available to you – many through the CTL! As always, I’m grateful to the entire CTL team for their support of all of us who teach on this campus, and perhaps like me, you’re continuing to learn from them and to develop further on your professional pathways.
Jannik Eikenaar
CTL Academic Director
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