04
View from the Valley
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
AUTHOR: MAGGEE BLEYER
“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.” This quote from Benjamin Franklin is Jill Winter’s teaching philosophy. Winter is the Communications Assistant Professor, Communications Discipline Facilitator, and the FRESH Faculty Sponsor at Wabash Valley College (WVC). Winter also played a role in helping the Student Senate design, plan, and establish WVC’s new lounge. Winter grew up in Olney, IL, and attended Richland County High School. After high school, she went to Olney Central College and transferred to Eastern Illinois University (EIU) for undergraduate and graduate school. From there, she earned her Master of Arts in Communication Studies/Interpersonal Communications. In 2002, Winter began teaching part-time for IECC. At that time, she was employed as the full-time District Recruiter. In 2004, she moved to a full-time teaching position at WVC. Some of the classes Winter teaches include Composition 1, Writing for Media, Interpersonal Communication, and Speech. Winter follows different philosophies for her teaching. “I want students to enjoy themselves in class,” Winter stated. “I want to create a fun learning environment. However, I also require students to work diligently and meet expectations.” Winter utilizes various teaching styles throughout different courses, projects, and materials that she teaches. "At times,” Winter explained, “I represent the stereotypical teacher in front of the class with a screen behind her. Other times, I share personal information as an example. I am most content when my students are at the front of the classroom and I am the listener." Many figures in Winter's life inspired her teaching skills and to become a teacher herself. One, for example, was her mother. Winter regards her mother as the greatest influence on her career choice. Her mother taught young students (mainly first and second grade) for more than 40 years. "Her value in
“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.” -Benjamin Franklin
education and the pride in her work affected me,” Winter said.
Another inspiration for her career dates back to her time at EIU when Winter was given the opportunity to become a Graduate Teaching Assistant. She anticipated doing more assistant-like work, but her supervisor allowed her to do much more. “I taught Speech; I did not assist,” Winter stated. “It felt like a good fit . . . like maybe I was supposed to become a teacher.” Besides teaching, Winter runs FRESH, a free on-campus grocery store for college students. In her free time, Winter enjoys listening to music, attending concerts and festivals, antiquing, thrifting, designing, and decorating. Her favorite designer is Amber Lewis. Winter describes Lewis’s spaces as moody and distinctive. She creates an intimate setting with color, texture, and the juxtaposition of old and new.
Editor’s Note: Personally, Ms. Winter has taught me how to become more assertive and helped me fall in love with my confidence. I always recommend my friends to take her classes!
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