Experience Summary
This past year, I have been employed as:
- a Rutgers University Part-Time Lecturer - 4 Expository Writing Courses (3 credits each)
- a Centenary College Adjunct Professor - 2 Theater Appreciation Courses (4.5 credits each)
- a Folger Shakespeare Library Director-in-Residence at North Plainfield H.S. ~ A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Teaching Style
I always try to connect with my students from a position of kindness. I feel that I am able to empathize with their frustrations, which establishes the bonds of trust. My strategy is to encourage students to explore their academic subjects from a vantage point of curiosity, (rather than boredom), to engage them in their assignments. From there, my students are empowered to do their work with a more positive attitude.
My Hobbies
Hiking, biking, playing sax, going to cultural events such as theater, dance, music, visual art, etc.
Other Comments
I am a mature, forty-five year old Professor, with a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting, who has substantial experience in motivating students to achieve specific and obtainable academic goals. I am currently transitioning into being a Full-Time Tutor in the northern New Jersey area.
Testimonials:
•A recent student of mine at Rutgers wrote the following on a lovely card that she gave to me during my final office hours: “I truly believe that without your help, I could not have passed this class.”
•The parents of the student above wrote the following which they sent to The Director of Guidance at The Montclair High School: “We greatly appreciate him (Mr. Handy) for not only being a memorable teacher, but also for teaching our daughter that she has the capability to overcome [her] difficulties.”
•The parent of a particularly brilliant girl wrote the following to the Director of Guidance at the Montclair High School: “My daughter was a student of Mr. Handy. I can't say enough about him. Sarah is a very bright girl, but she's had some hard times in the past few years. Mr. Handy really brought out her latent talents of expression; he really gave her a jolt of well-deserved confidence that's been standing her in very good stead.”
•My colleague and supervisor wrote the following in a general letter of recommendation: “We have been quite pleased to have Mr. Handy working for us in the Rutgers Writing Program as he can provide superior mentoring for our very diverse students. It is amazing how much thought he puts into his work and I know that his students truly appreciate all he does to help them achieve their goals. Mr. Handy understands the needs of students here at the university and of those who have not yet graduated from high school. He is reliable, energetic, and very capable. Additionally, he gets great evaluations from his students.”