English instructors Sabrina Ladd, Kathy Hanselman, and Felicia DeWald have dedicated their careers to higher education at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC). They are committed to fostering a positive learning environment for students both inside and outside the classroom. Their backgrounds include significant experience at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where they honed their skills in teaching and advising.
Sabrina Ladd spent over 15 years in the Nevada System of Higher Education as an advisor and support instructor. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes a student-centered approach with engaging activities. "I consider multiple teaching styles and am flexible about my students’ needs," she stated.
Kathy Hanselman has 14 years of experience at UNR, focusing on online course design and educational technology. She incorporates active learning into her classes. "My students should come prepared to talk!" she said. Hanselman aims to make learning relevant to students' academic and personal lives.
Felicia DeWald's journey includes volunteering with AmeriCorps and directing NevadaFIT at UNR. She values interaction in her classes, even accommodating introverted students who prefer reflective writing before speaking. "Make everyone feel welcome," she added.
The trio continues their professional development through seminars, research projects, and conference attendance while mentoring other faculty members. Ladd enjoys guiding both faculty and students: "Building professional relationships is a great way to learn more about your work."
Hanselman sees teaching as a continuous process of improvement: "I love being at the forefront of, ‘Let’s see if these activities or tools go well with my course.’" DeWald is exploring how artificial intelligence might change English assignments: "How do we provide them better feedback when capable devices are easily available?"
These educators exemplify TMCC's commitment to lifelong learning. For further information, visit the English department's website or call 775-673-7092.