PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOUR-YEAR PLAN (2002-2006)
by Suzanne L. Bunkers, Ph.D., Professor of English, Minnesota State University
A. TEACHING:
1. Objective: I will continue to develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in English, Humanities, and Honors.
Measurements: I will devise, review, revise, and develop course schedules, formats and materials.
Achievements: I will have reviewed, revised and developed course schedules, formats, and materials for the following class offerings: English 213, “Diaries and Diarists”; English 4/541, “Literary Theory”; English 275, “Introduction to Literary Studies”; English 4/595, “Survivors’ Stories”; Humanities 4/550, “Saints and Sinners”; and other courses, as I am assigned to prepare and teach them.
2. Objective: I will evaluate teaching and student learning through the use of a variety of assessment tools.
Measurements: Use of on-going classroom learning assessment measures, student self-assessments, etc.
Achievements: Classroom learning assessment measures will have been used on a regular basis during each course. Appropriate changes/adaptations in the presentation of course content will have been made based upon on-going student feedback. Student evaluations of courses taught will be completed and analyzed at the end of each semester. Evaluative measures used will include students’ self-assessments and personally designed course evaluations.
3. Objective: I will strengthen my teaching and professional development skills.
Measurements: As relevant, participation in workshops and/or seminars related to my teaching interests and professional development.
Achievements: I will have attended relevant workshops and/or seminars which provided opportunities for my teaching and professional development.
B. SCHOLARLY OR CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENT OR RESEARCH:
1. Objective: As opportunities present themselves, I will prepare, review, revise and submit article-length papers for presentation and publication in the following areas: theory of autobiography, diaries and journals, literary studies.
Measurements: Preparation of manuscripts for presentation and publication.
Achievements: Achievements will be documented on my c.v. and in appropriate venues for publication.
2. Objective: I will review and critique other teaching scholars’ work if requested.
Measurements: Edited and reviewed scholarly work
Achievements: When requested, I will have reviewed and/or critique other teaching scholars’ work (e.g., scholarly essays, book manuscripts, course syllabi, grant applications).
3. Objective: As necessary, I will use my scholarly writing skills to prepare grant proposals to fund my own teaching scholar’s projects.
Measurements: Preparation and funded grant proposals
Achievements: I will have prepared and submitted at least one grant proposal.
C. CONTINUING PREPARATION AND STUDY:
1. Objective: I will continue my research and study as a teaching scholar.
Measurements: On-going research, reading, travel, and study activities.
Achievements: Achievements will be documented on my c.v. and in appropriate venues.
2. Objective: As opportunities arise, I will explore new avenues for my work as a teaching scholar.
Measurements: By invitation, I will present my scholarly and creative work in venues such as scholarly conferences, symposia, readings, and meetings.
Achievements: Achievements will be documented on my c.v. and in appropriate venues.
3. Objective: I will apply for a year-long sabbatical during the 2004-2005 academic year, during which time I shall continue to read professional journals and books in the areas of theory of autobiography, immigration research, Holocaust studies, creative nonfiction, and related areas.
Measurements: Support for and awarding of sabbatical leave by department, dean, administration.
Achievements: New information and perspectives will be incorporated into my teaching materials and scholarly work.
D. CONTRIBUTION TO STUDENT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT:
1. Objective: As requested, I will advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in their program planning and related projects.
Measurements: Service as appropriate on committees (e.g., master’s examination committees, thesis/APP committees); service through advising appointments; service through supervision of teaching intern(s).
Achievements: Evidence of meeting this objective will be in the form of completed work by students whom I have advised and mentored.
2. Objective : I will be available to students taking my classes.
Measurements: Availability via e-mail advising; availability during office hours as appropriate each semester.
Achievements: Available e-mail office hours and office hours will have been posted on my office door and included on my web site. Guidance and one-on-one assistance will be offered to insure clarity and understanding of course requirements and assignments. I will be readily accessible to students via e-mail.
3. Objective: I will write letters of recommendation for students/faculty who request them.
Measurements: Written letters of recommendation.
Achievements: Copies of letters of recommendation will be on file in my office.
E. SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY
1. Objective: I will serve on the following departmental committees as appropriate and as assigned:
a. the English Department Technology Committee (2002-2003).
b. the English Department's ad hoc web development committee (2002-2003)
Measurements: Active involvement in departmental affairs
Achievements: Evidence of my involvement will be documented in my files.
2. Objective: By invitation, I will participate in one national symposium related to my ongoing work as a teaching scholar.
Measurements: Attend and present at IWA Symposium.
Achievements: I will have attended one symposium appropriate to my research and teaching interests. Evidence of attending will be in my files.
3. Objective: I will donate my services as a teaching scholar and published author for local, state and community organizations as appropriate and if requested.
Measurements: Contributions as a scholar, author, and teacher.
Achievements: Achievements will be documented on my c.v. and in appropriate venues.