Lessons from the Field: Interview with Brian Steinberg

This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “lessons from the field”, a series of posts featuring passionate, inspiring educators from across the country discussing some of the lessons that they have learned over the years that would help young teachers as they embark on their careers.

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Brian Steinberg has had over 15 years of Academic and Student Affairs experience. He has managed residence halls and apartments, advised Multicultural and International Students, and taught geography, diversity, college orientation, and technology courses at many colleges and universities.

Brian has received his B.S. in Earth Science and Geology from Central Michigan University, and his M.A. in Post Secondary Education: Student Affairs from The University of Northern Iowa. Brian is also a June 2002 graduate of the Social Justice Training Institute and is currently finishing up his PhD in The Leadership for Higher Education Program at Capella University. Brian also received his Diversity Graduate Certificate from Capella University.

Brian currently works for a diversity and multicultural education training and consulting firm and teaches for a few online colleges and universities.

What inspired you to teach?

Ever since I was a young kid, I always wanted to teach at the college level, but I have always taught at all levels. I also currently tutor online K-12 student in Math, Science, History, Social Studies, Reading, and Writing as well as have taught for the Boy Scouts of America and at local Nature Centers.

I always have liked to teach, because I often find myself learning more than my students. I was also inspirited to teach by watching great movies like Mr. Holland’s Opus, Inherit the Wind, and Dead Poets Society.

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

In teaching online, I have found the use of technology to help students move toward their individual goals much quicker. I use YouTube videos, FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter, Forums, Discussions, Wikis, and Blogs to get my students empowered to learn as well as bring out their individual passions. I also use controversial topics in my classes to get my students pumped up and engaged.

In the traditional classroom, I have used videos, simulations, programs, and exercises, and field trips to help engage my students and meet their individual
goals as well.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom?

When I was in college, both undergraduate and graduate school, technology was not really taught or used as much as it is today. I wish I was taught more of how to use technology in the classroom. Today, it is vital, crucial, and critical for all faculty/teachers to incorporate all forms of technology into the classroom to engage their students. Distance education was obviously not as popular in the past as it is today.

What did your training teach you that was most helpful in preparing you to enjoy and thrive in a classroom today?

I have a masters in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs and Geography. My training and preparation mostly prepared me to teach and work at the college level, but I have applied much of this to the K-12 level as well. I had good training and preparation by visiting the many different types of colleges and
universities (public, private, religious, small, medium, large, Research, Land Grant, online, online hybrid, etc.) and learning how these different institution control teaching methods needed for both faculty and students to succeed.

The basic concepts of Blooms Taxonomy, Chickerings 7 Vectors, and Maslow’s Hierarchy that was taught to me, has helped me to really understand student development and help me empower my students to be successful.

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This is a guest post from our journalist Alex J. Mann.  You can subscribe to his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.