Rebecca Chism (middle), associate professor in Kent
State's Department of Modern and Classical Language
Studies, celebrates with her students after receiving a
Distinguished Teaching Award.

A limited number of professors could say they have their own following, but Kent State University Associate Professor Rebecca Chism has earned such a following. This group of Chism’s former students, who call themselves “Chism’s Posse,” keep in touch and have annual gatherings to exchange ideas to continue the teachings of one of their favorite professors.

Chism’s impact on her students in the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies earned her a Distinguished Teaching Award. The award is sponsored by Kent State’s Alumni Association. Students and alumni nominate their favorite professors for this prestigious award.

Members of “Chism’s Posse” meet with her yearly to exchange ideas, talk about teaching and give each other support.

“I love to see that this community continued after the class,” Chism says. “It’s been happening for almost seven years now, and we add people to the group.”

Chism says she believes in a student-centered teaching style.

“I believe that our class is a community that we all contribute to, so I value the contributions of my students to our learning environment,” Chism says.

Chism has been at Kent State for 14 years. She achieves this hands-on learning environment by providing opportunities for her students to teach their classmates material that they select.

“Because I teach teachers, I give them the opportunity to teach the way that they would like to be taught,” Chism says. “Not only do they have to present the information, but they have to engage the class.”

“Since we are studying to be teachers, I very much appreciated the opportunity to get in front of a class and receive feedback in a safe place,” says Katherine McClaren, one of Chism’s former students who graduated last year. I learned a great deal throughout the class. It was theoretical while still being incredibly practical.

“Dr. Chism has made a point of mentoring us,” McClaren says. “She is someone we can go to when we have questions about what to do with difficult students or how to make a class more interesting. I am so thankful for her.”

Chism says she wants students to see that they are lifelong learners.

“I’m not just teaching a subject; I’m teaching life skills and ways to make positive contributions, just as I hope I’m making a positive contribution. It’s almost like passing the baton. Now it’s their turn to run the race. This is probably the ultimate accomplishment. I’m very fortunate to do what I do and to love what I do.”

To learn about the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies, visit http://www2.kent.edu/mcls/index.cfm.