Year Two ePortfolio Sample - Jessica Ganska
Teaching Philosophy
As one of six instructors across the country that teach Band Instrument Repair at the college level, I am excited and challenged to teach in such a specialized field. Through hands-on instruction, and remaining current on industry trends, I strive to prepare my repair students for jobs as band instrument repair technicians. I work to accommodate different learning styles and establish a safe environment to learn in. In addition to this, I help with connecting students to experienced repair technicians to help build their professional networks.
Responsibilities
I am responsible for teaching all of the Band Instrument Repair Technology Classes here at RTC. Other duties include maintaining the equipment, supplies, and the fleet of instruments used for instruction. I am in charge of recruiting for the program as well as assistance with job placement for graduates. The courses I have taught here at RTC include:
Introduction to Band Instrument Repair
Shop Practices and Safety for Band Instrument Repair
Band Instrument Cleaning and Sanitization
Soldering and Brazing Techniques
Dent Removal Techniques
Woodwind Padding Techniques
Clarinet Family Repair Techniques
Flute Family Repair Techniques
Saxophone Family Repair Techniques
Advanced Woodwind Repair
Woodwind Performance and Testing Techniques
Piston Valve Instrument Repair Techniques
Rotary Valve Repair Techniques
Advanced Repair Techniques
Trombone Repair Techniques
Brass wind Performance and Testing Techniques
Capstone Project in Band Instrument Repair
Mathematics for Band Instrument Repair
Written and Oral Communication for Band Instrument Repair
Employment Skills for Band Instrument Repair
Human Relations for Band Instrument Repair
Machining Topics for Band Instrument Repair
I also serve as the Advisor for the Horn Health Club, which participation in that club helps defray the cost for the students to go to the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT) annual Conference. My role as an advisor/mentor to the students includes keeping them on track with assignments, as well as assistance with job placement after graduation. I represent Renton Technical College at NAPBIRT regional clinics as well as the annual conference. I have been a presenter/clinician at NAPBIRT annual conferences, also. I attend all faculty in-service days, and professional development meetings.
Challenges
I think some of the challenges I have faced this year include having older computers with issues in the lab and older school owned instruments (bench instruments) that have been repair over and over again. The lab computers were replaced at the beginning of November 2017, so we are getting used to storing the keyboards and basic navigation. The bench instruments are in need of being replaced.
Achievements
One of my biggest strengths as an instructor is developing a rapport with the students in a way that encourages their achievement. I take the time to get to know the students and use positive reinforcement to help them accomplish their goals and find a job that suits them. Demonstrations and hands-on learning have been got-to methods in teaching my students. I make it a point to attend the NAPBIRT annual conference as well as regional clinics, along with meeting and visiting area technicians on a regular basis, to ensure that I am current on industry trends. This past summer’s professional development opportunities (Lathe for BIRT) have led to increased student achievement in that area. I have been asked to be a co-clinician at the April 2018 NAPBIRT conference.
Growth
I think I have shown growth in my one on one student interaction skills. A good portion of class time is spent working individually with students, and I have learned how to handle that more effectively. I think the college can support me in my future growth by continuing the tenure process and professional development opportunities it allows me to take.