Thread: I'm the new Belly Dance Instructor @ Cuyamaca College !

Hi Teachers,
I'm the newly recruited Belly Dance Instructor at Cuyamaca College. For those of you who have worked in public college settings, any special advice, tips, hints?

I get to define/design the Beginning & Intermediate/Adv. curriculum. Are there any things you do/wish you could include in your curriculum that would be effective (besides the obvious)? I want to make this new position a total success.

I appreciate your input.

Whooot that's exciting!

Can't offer advice, I've only done workshops and community ed stuff, never for-credit college level classes.

But congratulations!!!

Congrats, girl!

I was a temporary (one semester) adjunct faculty member at a local community college and, unfortunately, the college left me to my own devices about everything -- including important stuff like administration requirements -- so my advice is to be sure Cuyamaca doesn't do that to you!

You know how to teach. I think your student's needs will help you decide what you need to include.

You don't need good luck -- have a great time!

Deborah

thanks ladies :) I've never worked within a college / govt institution besides being a student so want to make sure I have all the bases covered.

I get to define the curriculum. Right now we are working out the details of proper procedure to get zills to students as a materials fee. I want them to learn, at least in the Int/Adv class. So much more to consider than when freelancing...

Big congratulations. I am sure you will be fabulous.

Congrats! I know Tamra-henna's class at Glendale Community College goes much deeper than movement (as I would expect from a college course). The students are assigned regular reading assignments, keep a dance journal and are required to see at least one show and do a journal entry on it, and are quizzed on history as well as on rhythms. They have to know the 5 most common rhythms in order to pass the class (I think it's a 12 week class, they might be on quarter system) and they have to play finger cymbals and create a section of choreography for their finals. It doesn't have to be executed perfectly, of course, but they needed to display an understanding of the relationship to the music.

My LARaqs partner Melia took the class for 2 sessions and then served as Tamra-henna's TA for that class, so if you want more details you can contact her. We want to talk to you about an October workshop anyways...your Bhux box was full and you didn't reply to the last email I sent! ;P

Congrats Sabrina!!! Any idea when your classes will be and what semester you'll start?? That's where I'm going for my paralegal degree and would love to fit a class in!

Congrats!!!

Alrana

Are you in addition to or the replacement for Jasmina at Cuyamaca? She's been there for a while, so you might want to consult with her.

Originally Posted by poohbear

Congrats Sabrina!!! Any idea when your classes will be and what semester you'll start?? That's where I'm going for my paralegal degree and would love to fit a class in!

Thanks everyone. I'm very excited and honored to have the position.

Poohbear: This is perfect for you! We are slated for an 8 week session. Thursdays, Sept. 10 - Oct. 29 beginning is 7-8pm. Int/Advanced is 8-9pm (probably the one you want ;) I would love to have you in class and get to see you every week.

Originally Posted by humdinger70

Are you in addition to or the replacement for Jasmina at Cuyamaca? She's been there for a while, so you might want to consult with her.

Thanks for your concern. She was the one who put my name in front of the administration for consideration, so she's totally on board with this.

Hey, that's great! Congratulations, Professor!!

Oh dang it! I have Legal research and Writing on Thurs from 6:30-9pm : (

Originally Posted by poohbear

Oh dang it! I have Legal research and Writing on Thurs from 6:30-9pm : (

nooo! can you test out of it? you already know how to do all that

Wish I could but I don't think they would let me : ( I'll have to check the spring schedule and polan for it then : )

Of course I can always stop by if we get out early : 0

Originally Posted by poohbear

Wish I could but I don't think they would let me : ( I'll have to check the spring schedule and polan for it then : )

Of course I can always stop by if we get out early : 0

Yes, if you get out early please stop by and jump in :)