Jason Roberts
Associate Professor - School of Humanities
What he teaches:
English 0900 Integrated Reading & Writing I
English 0990 Integrated Reading & Writing II
English 1010 Introduction to Writing
English 1120 Introduction to English Grammar
English 2010 Intermediate Writing
Number of years teaching at SLCC:
9
Undergraduate degree:
History Teaching Major, TESOL Minor—Brigham Young University
Master’s:
Teacher Education: Literacy Emphasis—Brigham Young
University
Why working at SLCC matters:
The student body at Salt Lake Community College come from
diverse backgrounds. They come from all walks of life and have different
beliefs and customs. They have a wide range of talents and abilities as well as
challenges. SLCC offers them all a chance to move
forward in life. For some it’s an opportunity for a new job, for others it’s a
step to a university. Students come to learn skills, learn English and develop
their talents. Our students already have so much skill, it is an honor to be
able to help them on their paths.
Greatest professional challenge:
One of the greatest challenges for me is collaboration with
other teachers. Most teachers, including me, become secluded in our classrooms.
I guess I don’t think I have the time or maybe the desire to collaborate fully
with other teachers in my department and across the institution. I think though
that the more we can work together the better we become as instructors.
Greatest professional accomplishment:
My greatest accomplishments, the things that I feel most
proud of, are when I see one of my students who was struggling in my class at
graduation. I know that the time, effort and difficulties were all worth it.
Advice for students or others:
My advice to the students is to let your inhibitions go and
get involved. In the classroom, raise your hand, answer questions, get the wrong
answers, try, fail gloriously and try again. At the school, be involved, join a club, go to a game, go to an activity, be on student council, join
a service learning course or do service on your own. The more you do, the more
you will find meaning in your education.
Future plans:
I look forward to many more years at SLCC. I hope one day to
get a PhD in children’s literacy or adult second language education. I also
have a lot of ideas for books I would like to write.
Family:
I am so blessed to have a wonderful wife and eight
incredible kids. I could talk about them all day. Truly they are my inspiration
and joy in life. I love reading with them, playing outside, enjoying hikes and
camping. They are the reason why I work as hard as I do and care as much as I
care.
Hobbies:
I enjoy being outside. I love to hike, camp,
garden and play Frisbee. I also love reading fiction, writing, dancing,
serving and hanging out with my family.
