RCC Continues 'From Industry to Instructor: Teaching for Professionals' to Bring Industry Professionals Into the Classroom as Part-time Instructors

Rockland Community College (RCC) is continuing their diversity, equity and inclusion initiative designed to bring experienced professionals in the surrounding community into the classroom as part-time instructors. From Industry to Instructor: Teaching for Professionals is designed for professionals interested in teaching one or more college-level courses. RCC is seeking residents with knowledge and skills acquired over years in industry, such as scientists, IT/cyber security professionals, lawyers, doctors, nurses, journalists, linguists, and business people—employed or retired—who are interested in helping students become “real world-ready” by sharing their knowledge and skills.

“At RCC, it is our mission to provide a purpose driven educational opportunity for our students. This speaks to our commitment to making all aspects of learning relevant and engaging. Our From Industry to Instructor: Teaching for Professionals program offers our students an opportunity to experience professionals with industry knowledge and skills in the classroom. With a robust first cohort, we are excited to offer this program for a second year. We are thankful for the collaboration with our community, and remain committed to improving the lives of our students,” said RCC Officer in Charge, Dr. Susan Deer.

Professionals interested in becoming part-time instructors through this program are invited to find out more about this unique opportunity during a virtual informational session on January 17, 7:00 – 8:00pm, on ZOOM. During the event, area professionals will learn how to convert their professional career into practical teaching skills in the classroom and to masterfully explain what they already know, even if they have never taught before. Potential instructors will be required to attend a total of four sessions, each running approximately 90 minutes. Topics will include successes, challenges, and misconceptions in teaching, the student experience, advice from experts in the field, and learning by doing through a teaching practicum experience.

The mandatory sessions will be held on RCC's Suffern Campus in the Student Union, Room 3214 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm on:

February 28, 2023

March 7, 2023

March 21, 2023

March 28, 2023

For more information and to register for the January 17 informational session, visit: sunyrockland.edu/industry2instructor

Contact Dr. Beatrice Bridglall, Special Assistant to the Officer in Charge, at beatrice.bridglall@sunyrockland.edu with any questions.

About Rockland Community College Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern New York, provides purpose driven educational opportunities in a supportive, affordable, and accessible environment, empowering individuals to positively transform themselves and their communities. RCC welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Many graduates go on to top universities to further their education on their own or through RCCs institutional collaborations.

RCC fosters an environment that attracts, recruits, supports and retains faculty, staff, and students who value diversity. The College promotes a collegial and inclusive environment by recognizing, promoting, embracing, respecting and celebrating the expansive range and dimensions of cultures, attitudes, ideas and viewpoints contained within our campus community.

RCC is also proud to provide career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through a variety of programs and educational opportunities including workforce training, certifications, and microcredentials. Many of the programs are developed with employers in the community in high demand industry areas to enable graduates to move into a new career upon graduation. More information can be found at sunyrockland.edu.