The teacher's teacher

USM Regents honor Gloria Neubert, College of Education

When Tom Proffitt called to congratulate Gloria Neubert on her 2004 Board of Regents Award for Excellence in Teaching, he found she didn't know she'd won it.

Neubert, professor of secondary education, had picked up her campus mail the day before official notification arrived from USM headquarters. "I'm on sabbatical, so the letter sat in my mailbox," she adds with a laugh. "I had to ask Tom what he was talking about."

Now that she's had time to savor the news, she says she's humbled by the system-wide recognition. "Of course I'm very pleased for the notoriety this brings my department, my college and the university," she continues. "The College of Education has so many outstanding teachers--it's assumed, in fact."

Proffitt, in his capacity as acting dean, nominated Neubert on the basis of her performance in the areas of course development, development of pedagogy, faculty development, mentorship of faculty and leadership in teaching improvement. Citing her as "a teaching exemplar," he painstakingly documented her passion for--and commitment to--her profession.

"I consider it my professional privilege to work with Dr. Neubert," he says. "In addition to her teaching excellence, she serves as a role model for the College of Education faculty as well as our students through her, mentoring, scholarship and service."

Neubert, whose academic focus is literacy and literacy skills in teaching and learning, thinks TU has "the most remarkable students.

"I set very high standards," she continues, "and they work hard. But on the rare occasion when a student doesn't do well, I reflect on how I might have done things differently. It's a process that enables me to learn right along with them.

"In my classes I emphasize the importance of theory and research. It's important for students to understand the theory and research behind the practical strategies they're taught."  

More recently, Neubert's continuing fascination with how learning occurs has led her to explore neuroscience and reading. "The field of education is taking a new turn," she says, "and we're going to have to learn about the anatomy of the brain and thinking processes.

"We need to understand that some learners' difficulties are brain-development issues, not just behavioral issues.  

"And to provide these perspectives to my students, I need to continue to be a learner." she adds.   

"That's what keeps me going: I love learning."

Gloria Neubert will receive her Award for Excellence in Teaching at the April 16 USM Board of Regents meeting.  

Story by Jan Lucas/Photos by Kanji Takeno

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