10.24.22

LLCC to hold part-time faculty information fairs Nov. 2 and 9

Instructor teaching in front of classroomHave you ever considered teaching a class?

LLCC is seeking individuals interested in teaching part-time at the college and will hold information fairs Wednesday, Nov. 2, 6-8 p.m., at the Springfield campus, and one week later, Nov. 9, 6-8 p.m., at LLCC Outreach Centers in Taylorville, Litchfield and Jacksonville.

“Teaching part-time at a community college is great way to supplement your income and share the knowledge you’ve gained through education and work,” said Jason Dockter, Ph.D., associate vice president of academic services.

Dockter said part-time teaching can appeal to retirees, those currently in the workforce and those who have just earned a graduate degree. Prior teaching experience is preferred but not required.

“Even if you’ve never thought about teaching, we invite you to come out and learn what’s involved. You can even apply on the spot if you bring a cover letter, resume and unofficial college transcripts.”

Part-time faculty are required to have earned a master’s degree with at least 18 hours in the subject being taught. Work experience can substitute for a degree in career and technical fields.

LLCC currently has available positions for part-time faculty in multiple fields including communication/public speaking, English composition and humanities, history and sociology, as well as in the career/technical fields of certified nursing assistant, welding, auto tech, electrical/industrial maintenance and hospitality/culinary arts.

More information is available at www.llcc.edu/PT-faculty-fair.

10.21.22

Expanded night classes at LLCC-Medical District

In an effort to serve those who live or work near downtown Springfield, LLCC has expanded the number of night classes available at LLCC-Medical District. These classes meet one night per week at LLCC-Medical District, 130 W. Mason. “These courses are perfect for working adults who want to get started or continue toward a college degree,” said Joel Dykstra, Ed.D., dean of English and humanities. Courses include English composition, math, public speaking, business, sociology and geography. More information is available at www.llcc.edu/downtown.

10.21.22

In the news

The current edition of Springfield Scene magazine features a story on LLCC alum and well-known local musician, conductor, actor, vocalist and teacher Damien Kaplan, where he describes his musical education at LLCC as a game changer. “Lincoln Land was honestly a huge turning point for me. Going there was one of the greatest decisions I ever made musically.”

10.18.22

In the news

Mackenzie Bryant, recruitment specialist, was interviewed for a segment of the Friday Night Rivals game broadcast on CW23 Oct. 14 featuring Taylorville and Lincoln High Schools. This Friday, Mackenzie and Kim Wilson, recruitment specialist, will be interviewed at the Southeast at Sacred Heart Griffin game in the final Friday Night Rivals broadcast of the season.

10.17.22

In the news

LLCC Aviation is mentioned in The Source article “Planes, education and family bonds” about John Oakes and his son Charley who both graduated from LLCC’s aviation program. Charley started the program at 16 and John at 71. John shares that LLCC’s “Airplane Mechanics course is outstanding” and that the instructors have “lifetime experience in aviation.”

10.12.22

LLCC awarded grant to support early childhood educators

LLCC has been awarded an Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) grant of nearly $650,000 to help those who work or who have worked in early childhood education or childcare in earning credentials, certificates and degrees. They may also qualify for a scholarship that covers the total cost of attendance if they are pursuing an additional degree or certificate in the field.

“There is a teacher shortage in early childhood education. In addition to playing an important role in the development of children, these professionals help keep our world as we know it going around,” explains Danyle Watkins, LLCC professor of early childhood education. “Imagine a workday without any available daycare. This would have a dramatic impact on the workforce. Many parents would not be able to go to work or provide needed services.”

As part of the grant, LLCC is adding classes and now has an early childhood education advocate, Marlena Constant. She helps future students with applications for the college, scholarships and financial aid. She also provides support and connects students with any needed services.

“I’m a barrier remover. When things like needs for technology, Wi-Fi or gas money are hurdles to your education, we can assist,” says Constant. “We are about cohorts, friendship, collaboration and built-in supports.”

LLCC also plans on implementing prior learning assessments and developing incentives for completion and spaces specifically for early childhood education students to study and get assistance.

ECACE is also collaborating with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to provide the scholarships.

For more information on LLCC’s early childhood education program, visit www.llcc.edu/ece.

10.12.22

In the news

#MeToo and Modernism book cover. Edited by Robin E. Field and Jerrica Jordan.Dr. Bailey Shaw, professor of English, has a chapter “‘I’d have my life unbe’: Undoing Experience in Tess of the d’Urbervilles” in the forthcoming book #MeToo and Modernism (Clemson UP, February 2023). Using several canonical authors and texts alongside some lesser-known but nonetheless important writers, the collection combines chapters of literary criticism regarding the foreshadowing implications of the ongoing #MeToo movement during the Modernist era. Professor Shaw’s chapter examines the vexed publication history of Tess and Thomas Hardy’s recurrent alterations to the text in the context of the #MeToo movement. Through the novel’s growing attention to representing Tess’s subjectivity, the “ache of modernism” is painfully revealed through Tess, a “Pure Woman” who is made to suffer in a world without justice.

Sheridan Lane, director, culinary program and operations, wrote this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column on “Modern day tacos.”

10.06.22

Congratulations to Matt Blomquist!

Matt Blomquist, LLCC adjunct and dual credit instructor of construction and Taylorville High School building trades teacher, recently won a national teaching award — the 2022 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. The 2022 prize had a record 768 applications and included three rounds of judging. The prize includes a $15,000 award for Blomquist and $35,000 for his program at the high school. Read more from NPR Illinois.