GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College Associate Professor of Psychology Kristel M. Gallagher, Ph.D. presented her published research at the 2022 Teaching Professor Conference in Atlanta earlier this month.
This year’s conference brought together more than 700 educators of all disciplines from colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. The mission of the conference is to allow attendees to share their passion for the art and science of teaching in higher education.
Gallagher’s presentation, “Teaching Personas of Teaching Professors – Do They Exist and Do They Matter?”, drew upon the research she recently published in the Journal of Effective Teaching in Higher Education. Gallagher notes that this novel line of research was first inspired by the reactions of her students upon discovering she is quieter and more reserved in her everyday life than she is in the classroom. She heard other faculty describe similar conversations and wondered how common it was for professors to partake in this form of regulated self-presentation. Importantly, Gallagher was curious to uncover whether holding these teaching personas, or identities, might lead to feelings of job burnout.
Thiel faculty contributed nearly one-third of the data Gallagher collected for this project, with faculty from the College of Wooster and the University of Wisconsin-Superior also contributing. The next phase of the project, expanding the diversity of faculty contributions, is underway with collaborators from Virginia Commonwealth University.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.