2008 Woodie Awards
Where have all the teachers gone?
Brittany Raine
Issue date: 3/23/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 4 next >
Sacred Heart faculty members have been doing it for years. It is called Sabbaticals. But this leave of absence from the university's offices and classrooms is anything but a vacation.
Wait, Sabbaticals? What?
As each academic year commences and everyone begins to "buckle down" for another interesting and exciting semester at the university, professors from various departments are packing their books (and sometimes bags) and leaving. They are not departing from their role as a professor at the university per say, but taking some time to go on a Sabbatical Leave.
According to Dr. Michelle Lusardi, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, coordinator for Graduate Programs in Geriatrics, Middletown, a "layman's" definition of a Sabbatical leave is very interesting and intense and an experience she has been a part of two times, at different points in her career.
"A Sabbatical Leave is a period away from active teaching and committee responsibilities for faculty members," said Lusardi. "[It is] to be used for reflection, for focused activity in their area of research interests (or on development of a new direction for their research) and for creative endeavors that will enhance their skills and abilities as teachers or create new opportunities for learning for their students."
"Some faculty request Sabbatical to focus on advancing their expertise through education during that time," said Lusardi. "Others go to different universities as guest faculty for a semester or two.
"Some write grants to support future research endeavors, [others] write textbooks, while some develop theoretical models that will advance their understanding in their field. Most expect to return to the university refreshed and re-energized, ready to bring what they have learned, accomplished or experienced back into their classrooms."
"Refreshed and re-energized" from a semester or two of intense learning to further their education which means for the betterment of the teachings in the classroom is very powerful task to take on.
Wait, Sabbaticals? What?
As each academic year commences and everyone begins to "buckle down" for another interesting and exciting semester at the university, professors from various departments are packing their books (and sometimes bags) and leaving. They are not departing from their role as a professor at the university per say, but taking some time to go on a Sabbatical Leave.
According to Dr. Michelle Lusardi, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, coordinator for Graduate Programs in Geriatrics, Middletown, a "layman's" definition of a Sabbatical leave is very interesting and intense and an experience she has been a part of two times, at different points in her career.
"A Sabbatical Leave is a period away from active teaching and committee responsibilities for faculty members," said Lusardi. "[It is] to be used for reflection, for focused activity in their area of research interests (or on development of a new direction for their research) and for creative endeavors that will enhance their skills and abilities as teachers or create new opportunities for learning for their students."
"Some faculty request Sabbatical to focus on advancing their expertise through education during that time," said Lusardi. "Others go to different universities as guest faculty for a semester or two.
"Some write grants to support future research endeavors, [others] write textbooks, while some develop theoretical models that will advance their understanding in their field. Most expect to return to the university refreshed and re-energized, ready to bring what they have learned, accomplished or experienced back into their classrooms."
"Refreshed and re-energized" from a semester or two of intense learning to further their education which means for the betterment of the teachings in the classroom is very powerful task to take on.