Eileen Johnson

A good orientation and preparation is key for a new instructor to feel confident and ready to enter our classrooms. I have found that shodowing a seasoned instructor may also be helpful as long as the new instrctor introduces herself/himself and is not lurking in the edges but jumping in and helping in whatever activity is going on. 

I have learned to listen more than I speak in an interview. I want to get a better understanding of the applicant and their views instead of recruiting them to work for my college. I also learned to be patient and don't hire the first candidate. I am more likely to get an employee that will stick if I give a clear and honest job description.

In my next opportunity to hire I have a better understanding of the prep work that I need to do prior to meeting applicants. It makes so much sense to develop that KSAO. Without it, its like grocery shopping with out a list. You never get exactly what you need.

Great Idea to interview and observe incumbent faculty. This can be very valuable especially with very successful instructors. It may also be valuable to observe instructors outside of the program. I like the idea of creating a KSAO to specifically outline the qualities that I need in a faculty. Do you think its appropriate to give an employment quiz to verify knowledge and skills? An essay question may also be very telling of writing and communication skills.

It's very important to be familar with the CMS and content to answer any of my students questions and help them through the learning platform. I think it would also be a good idea to spend more time in the student view so I can help them when they have questions.