My 398 seminar in educational issues brings together novice educators to discuss ideas, experiences, and practice. Integration of theory into actual educative efforts is challenging for professional educators. I try to incorporate the notion of audience analysis by realizing that people only learn new material based on their prior knowledge. Novice teachers are not even aware of their common experiences, much less of a theoretical component to education. In discussions of actual teaching experiences, research reports, curriculum, evaluation tools, and literature reviews, we examine new ideas and practices. I work toward improving my own teaching through the application of these theories to my practices. ||I teach Oral Communication (201) from a process orientated approach. I encourage my students to prepare, practice, review, and reflect on each speaking assignment to optimize their growth. Enriching my 201 lecture and section material, collaborating with fellow instructors and TAs, and continuing to educate and grow myself, allows me to further develop my teaching. I plan to continue my efforts at improving teaching, advising, and service. My service to the community and involvement in the Association for Women in Communication provides extensive networking and professional links for my advisees and all Communication majors. As the Internship Coordinator, I am able to bridge the gap between formal academic schooling and practical application of knowledge.||Supervisory, peer, and student mentorship are the key ingredients to progress and success. As a senior lecturer in the Cornell Communication Department, I am fortunate to experience each on a daily basis.

This past spring, I was selected as one of 40 participants in the entire state to serve as a participant in the Partners in Policymaking leadership training program. The group meets for eight weekends in Albany to develop skills in lobbying and advocacy for disability issues on a national level. I am now half way through the program; it is one of the most fulfilling programs I have ever been involved with!|I served on the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (ACSW). The committee plays a significant role in identifying issues affecting women at Cornell, in reviewing policies and procedures, and in making recommendations to the administration on improving the status of women at Cornell. My awareness of women’s issues on the various levels (department, university, and national) provides insight for my role as AWC advisor and National BOD member.