Outstanding University Teaching Award, Non-Tenure Track

Gina Leffers

• Instructional Assistant Professor in Mathematics 
• M.S. from Illinois State University in 1998 

What is the core of your teaching philosophy in one sentence? 

It is my goal as an educator to help students realize that their unique skills and ideas contribute towards the enrichment of a positive learning environment. 

My motivation to become a college professor comes from … 

My motivation to become a college professor comes from my desire to share with students the beauty of mathematics that is all around us in hopes that they will come to appreciate it as I do. Once students discover the usefulness of mathematics in different contexts, the door is opened to meaningful discussions about how math can be applied in their everyday lives. Students begin to ask "what if" questions as they develop critical thinking skills and are encouraged to solve problems inside as well as outside of the classroom.  

The resource or person that has been the most important influence in my teaching career is … (and why) 

The resource or person that has been the most important influence in my teaching career is my grandfather. My grandfather was a retired engineer who taught at the local college to share his love of mathematics with the younger generation and to keep his mind active. He recognized my interest in mathematics when I was very young. During family gatherings, he and I would linger at the dinner table and talk about interesting math problems. When I was in high school, I informally audited his summer algebra class - just for fun. After I graduated with my college degree, I began teaching at the same college at which he taught. The story of a grandfather and granddaughter teaching duo at the college made the city newspaper.  

The most rewarding aspect of teaching for me is … (and why) 

The most rewarding aspect of teaching for me is when students work hard to overcome a challenge in my class, and they succeed. Many of the students that I teach had negative experiences in their previous math classes in junior high or high school. Some have been told repeatedly that they can't do math, and eventually they began to believe it. When they walk through my door, however, I make it clear that they are capable of learning math. Students will often tell me that they struggled with this content in the past and that they are now able to understand it. I learn so much from my students by simply asking them questions when they are struggling with a problem in class. Understanding how they think helps me to know how I should explain the concept differently. 

Best compliment that I’ve received from a student was … 

The best compliment that I've received from a student is that I make the class fun and engaging. I typically teach general education mathematics courses. Let's be honest - most students who are enrolled in these classes are generally not thrilled to be there. They take my class because it's required to graduate. I try to make the class as enjoyable as possible by encouraging input from many students during discussions, allowing students to collaborate with each other during formative activities, and being enthusiastic when presenting new material. I try to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking for help. I repeatedly explain that this is a safe space where all questions are welcome - no matter how trivial the student may feel their question might be. 

The one teaching technique or strategy that I would recommend to my colleagues to enhance student learning the most is … 

The one teaching technique or strategy that I would recommend to my colleagues to enhance student learning the most is to let your students know that you care, and you genuinely want them to succeed. Of course, all teachers should want this for our students, but students need to hear this. A big part of teaching for me is encouraging my students to do their best and letting them know that I believe in them. 

“A big part of my role as a teacher is to motivate students to always do their best and to believe in themselves.”