Stories about Teaching, Learning, and Resilience: No Need to Be an Island

You can find countless books dedicated to student success and resilience. But what about the faculty? What do we do to help college faculty cultivate their professional and personal growth and resilience?

During more than three decades as a teacher and workshop facilitator, Steve Piscitelli noticed that many educators can become isolated from their colleagues and their larger institutional culture. They become “islands” disconnected from the potential power of the teaching and learning community. That isolation can affect teaching efficacy and resilience.

To encourage educators to embrace the power of collaboration, Piscitelli outlines the “7Rs” for success: relationships, relevance, resources, rainbows, responsibility, reflection, and resilience. He created thirty-seven scenarios, based on real life issues. Each shows how to apply these seven themes to better adapt to professional and personal challenges educators face.

The scenarios raise questions about the classroom, work-life integration, collaboration with coworkers, and interpersonal relationships with supervisors. Every teaching and learning situation—every one—gives us the opportunity to take stock of and strengthen our own resilience level. And we do not have to do it alone. That is the beauty of our calling! And that is the strength of this book. It recognizes the power of a collegial teaching and learning community.

Piscitelli supplements the information and scenarios with links to brief thought-provoking videos (approximately sixty seconds each) that encapsulate major themes and discussion points. More information at www.stevepiscitelli.com.

I think it’s brilliant. I often feel like I’m on an island as a professor. —Ashli Archer, Professor

I like how you let people know that even though you have developed a table of contents, they might want to skip around. The flexibility will be very appealing.—Erin Hoag, VP of Financial Services and Strategic Development, Innovative Educators

This book will be a welcome resource! —Todd Stanislav, Director, Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning

Wow, you are covering some controversial topics! This book is going to be different and invaluable!—Pam Ranallo, Co-Owner, Innovative Educators

Your scenario addressing the issue of favoritism vs. jealousy demonstrates amazing insight and ability to address the "hard" topics. Bravo!–Karen Armstrong, Career Counselor

I think this is a wonderful idea and have never seen anything along these lines before!—Mary Boone Treuting, Director of Center for Academic Success and the Center for Teaching Excellence

Steve Piscitelli draws on more than three decades of teaching experience. A retired professor, he continues to work as an interactive training facilitator and keynote speaker. His experiences have introduced him to the many challenges educators face nationwide. Piscitelli shares his resources for growth and resilience with his blog, podcast, and videos.

Steve has authored books and articles on success principles and strategies. In 2014, Piscitelli delivered a TEDx talk entitled "Awareness, Assumptions, and Actions: Why Do You Do What You Do?"

His recognitions include receiving his college's Outstanding Faculty Award, serving as his college's chair for the Center of Teaching and Learning, being named as one of the "Fabulous 50" at Florida State College at Jacksonville, and being listed by his alma mater, Jacksonville University, as one of the "Alumni You Ought to Know."

Steve lives with his wife, Laurie, and canine companion, Roxie, in Atlantic Beach, Florida.

To learn more about Steve and his resources, visit www.stevepiscitelli.com