instructor

proctor

police officer

content specialist

executive director

Washtenaw Community College

I always felt like I had to keep copious records of students who cheated, were disgruntled, or had a bad attitude because, invariably, the English Chair would tell me that I had to come to her office and defend myself. This happened often. Worse, students make out opinion polls halfway through the class about each instructor;s teaching abilities. If they decide they don't like the instructor, they write false statements which lowers the overall score. If the students know they are failing or have been caught cheating, they will write a poor evaluation. 

If the teacher's scores are lower than 4.0 of 5.0, usually, they are not asked to teach again.This never happened to me, but I could not teach as rigorously as I knew I should because students gave me much lower points. So, teachers have to work hard to get students to really like them.

This is unfair and very stressful to all teachers, particularly veteran teachers who should not be judged by freshman/sophomore students. If Chairs want to judge their teachers, they should sit in the classroom personally (or send acolleague) to write their teacher evaluations and give tips on how to improve. 

I believe the reason students are allowed to judge the ability of their teachers and thus determine whether they will continue to teach is due to retention rates. So, it's all about money. I was appalled when one teacher told me that he always told his students if they would give him a 4.5 or 5.0, he would give them all "blanket A's".He said he did what he had to in order to keep his job..Many other teachers told me that they did not teach at the intellectual level they knew they should because students often became upset with this method of teaching and would give their teachers low points. This "rule" forces teachers to cheat in order to keep their jobs!

Also, teachers never know which classes will be assigned to them each semester until about a week to a few days before the class actually starts. This is also very stressful because it takes a long time to get a new syllabus ready. You select from a large number of available classes but the Chair decides which classes you receive.

Additionally, many teachers enjoy working at the English Writing Center between teaching classes.They review student writing before they give it to their instructor. Once a teacher has proven their ability in this area, they should be able to keep the position. Instead, teachers never feel safe in adding these extra hours of income because the Chair is constantly changing workers.  There are, however, a few teachers who always are selected for work in the Writing Center.

What is the best part of working at the company?
If you fit in to the WCC culture, I guess it might be ok to work there.  However, exceptional teachers with international experience and less midwestern culture, may find themselves a target of harassment by both staff and colleagues.  There is no recourse for bullying and teachers are often used as targets for the lack of student service engagement, follow through, and efficacy with emotional and cognitively disturbed students.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Lack of support and futility.   You work so hard to help some students who use you 'the teacher' as an excuse for inadequate performance and class attendance.  No matter how hard you work to advocate, document, and communicate, the admin just keeps passing the buck.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Not good!  Inadequate everything.  The first room I taught in didn't even have something to write on.  I waiting 3 weeks to get a security badge to open my room on campus.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I don't teach there anymore.  Mostly, the students are awesome.  The support staff for part-time faculty is heinous.  Don't try to use the copier you'll be hazed and bullied by the office troll.

I am a clinical instructor for WCC for the students in their last rotation.  The clinical is in Medical Surgical III.  I have to be honest and say that I was really surprised at the level of enjoyment I get from these students.  They are knowledgeable, yet uncertain.  It is my job to help facilitate the transition between student nurse to nurse.  I enjoy see such a remarkable change in their confidence level by the end of their rotation. That personally is such an amazing reward. The bonus is that the staff have come to really embrace the students.  New nurses need to feel welcomed into our culture and I really strive to create a positive environment.  Removing intimidation from learning situations is paramount, this is an area in which I really like to focus.  I am honored to be a part of the nursing process.
I also have the opportunity to teach in the simulation lab.  It is amazing to see the level of engagement the students have when immersed in a simulation.   Simulation allows the students to participate in a clinical situation, then assess their performance, and debrief.  This is a safe way to create good communication, while averting future mistakes.

I am a student ambassador and my job is guiding campus tours, showing students how to access the resources on WCC website, and help to prepare materials for school events. Training and evaluation are provided frequently. Student can practise leadership, public speech and job organizing in a friendly environment with diversities. The most precious experience was learning how to promote education in a fun way and be involved in giving back to the communities. The paid is better than a lot of service jobs and other schools. The only part I don't like was we must have to wear a shirt with the school logo but they did not provide us with winter clothes for working outdoors.

It is a pleasure to work with and for people from all walks of life that are interested in improving their lives and the lives of those around them. Overall, the management does not hesitate to encourage and promote initiative and drive in employees.The most enjoyable part of the job is helping people (executives, managers, staff, and students) find viable solutions and compromises that work for all parties involved. The red tape and politics are currently having an adverse affect on employee moral. As more and more people resign or retire, the workflow for experienced staff has become overwhelming as we try to juggle the training needs of newly hired personnel and our existing job duties.

At one time this was an amazing place to work. The people cared about each other and took the time to get to know each other. Everyone cared about the student welfare and showed it by what they did, not just what they said. The "bottom line" was about the people who's lives we changed. 
Now the bottom line seems to be all about the money. The words regarding support of students and staff are just words. Tuition continually increases while only the executive level expands. Moral has suffered and many good people have been lost under this administration.
It's unfortunate that such an awesome place has fallen into neglect. I'm sure it will recover - just don't know when.

A typical day at work here usually includes, making sure the shop is in order. Making sure vehicles are prepped for the classes. Maintaining shop vehicles example checking fluids, tires, making sure everything is put together properly. Also I work in the tool crib. I order parts, hand out tools students will need, keep inventory. I have learned a lot form working here. I also took the program to become an certified mechanic. The management is great, I never have any problems with them. My co workers are friendly and very helpful when needed. The most difficult part of this job is trying to get everything done in one day. There is so much to do. The most enjoyable part of the job is when I am able to help the students when they are learning.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Good college, nice place to be a faculty member - leadership is toxic and destructive - definitely not recommended for any administrators under current leadership (2023). 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
 leadership is toxic and destructive - definitely not recommended for any administrators under current leadership (2023). 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
horrid senior leadership - affects almost everyone except lowest-level staff and faculty

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Ok, usual regimen - it is always nice to see how you contribute to students.

Loved working to help people access an affordable education. Hated seeing my colleagues bullied by insecure, childish, and incompetent upper management. Fled before they got to me. Truly a great place with wonderful results for students. Too bad the higher-ups have some really strange personality issues. Even better health and retirement savings benefits than U-M!

What I like the most about my current job is that it gives me the opportunity to learn and be creative. I would check in with my supervisor and instructors to ask her what their needs are for the week. I would set up and break down all labs, maintaining medical supply inventory, assist with RN's, access to Lippincott Docu Care, maintain organization, run high fidelity simulators, and low fidelity simulators. My co-workers were amazing. My most enjoyable part of the job is helping the students achieve their dreams, and watching them grow.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Instructor 8 salaries reported	$67.58 per hour
Proctor 5 salaries reported	$17.00 per hour
Police officer 5 salaries reported	$36,972 per year
Content specialist 5 salaries reported	$20.13 per hour
Executive director 2 salaries reported	$100,009 per year

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