Dr. Jann Hunter, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, shares her Eastern Experience.

Last semester was Dr. Jann Hunter’s first time teaching at Eastern New Mexico University. She teaches students about 90 minutes away in Roswell, New Mexico.

She discusses her Eastern Experience as the new assistant professor of curriculum and instruction:

How was your first semester?

I had a wonderful experience teaching at ENMU! I am an alumna (bachelor’s and master’s), and it is rewarding to feel like I am giving back to a place that gave me so much.

I am the only ENMU-Portales faculty member located in Roswell. I have an office at ENMU-Roswell that I have worked at making a place for open communication and an appeal for those who seek to move forward toward a bachelor’s degree. I have enjoyed working with the Roswell Independent School District and other school districts in this area to serve the education community. I have a deep sense of urgency regarding preparing teachers and supporting schools and communities, and I view this position as one that can provide that vehicle for positive and productive support.

What did you enjoy the most?

I enjoyed my students! They were hard-working and earnest in their efforts. My students last semester were taking their practicum courses in preparation for student teaching. This requires a great deal of effort and energy. My students inspired me to be the best teacher I could be in order to help them. I learned a great deal from them about what I need to do in order to improve and grow on behalf of our students.

What advice or tips would you give to new faculty?

Embrace the kindness and genuine spirit of the ENMU community. Everywhere I go on the campus, I am welcomed and greeted with a desire to help and assist me in being successful. I appreciate this so much!

What was your most memorable moment or experience last semester?

One of them was getting to know other faculty members of the ENMU-Roswell community. They too have opened up their hearts to me and helped me in so many ways.

What does being a teacher at ENMU mean to you?

It represents giving back to an organization that provided the genesis of my journey into adulthood and my profession. I am so grateful to be honored by this opportunity and gift of legacy.

(Interviewed by Patricia Duran)