Laurel Walsh
Executive Director, Center for Faculty Excellence
Walden University
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
After completing my MFA, I became the editor of an online visual and literary arts magazine.
I began academic editing; I taught many sections of Freshman Composition.
I paid for my graduate education in cash by waiting tables and tending bar at an Irish American pub.
The service industry helped me learn how to diffuse interpersonal situations and prioritize.
Teaching night classes at the local urban university allowed me to stay home with my kids.
When my youngest was three, I enrolled in Hamline's doctoral program; I came to Walden in 2008.
I co-authored a few courses; I love first term undergraduates and the faculty who teach them.
I have the humbling task of teaching other faculty, and in doing so, I learn daily.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
St. Agnes
St. Agnes
Career
Executive Director, Center for Faculty Excellence
I teach teachers.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Writing
Education
Problem Solving
Day to Day
My work life is built on written and oral communication, predominantly constructed of meetings and email communication. I co-author a weekly note to all Walden faculty where I describe the types of faculty development available to them in the next ten days. The bulk of my meetings are with other academics and Walden leaders where we plan for Regional and National Faculty Meetings, or in one-on-one conversations with the 9 stellar team members who make up the Center for Faculty Excellence staff.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for professionals
Academic administrative work is not for everyone. Teaching teachers requires that you understand deeply the faculty experience, as teachers can sniff out a fraud quickly. If you feel passionate about how students are treated in the classroom, and you understand that teaching is a form of learning, faculty development is a natural next step. All teachers have had the experience of watching a fellow instructor falter, by offering high utility faculty development, you have the chance to help.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"Going to school when you have young children is selfish."
Challenges I Overcame
Learning Issues
