Five STLCC-Meramec teachers retire after spring semester
By: SPENCER GLEASON
Editor-in-Chief
Barb Kurt
Have you been teaching math for all 26 years that you’ve been at Meramec?
Yes, I’ve only taught mathematics since I started as a part-timer in 1988. I did, however, spend some time serving in other positions such as the campus staff development coordinator, the administrative intern to the vice-chancellor of education and as our math lab supervisor.
I’m assuming that you’ve taught different classes within the math department. What was your favorite class and why?
Although in the past 21 years I’ve taught pre-algebra through survey of calculus, I don’t have a favorite class/course. Every semester it changes, due to the personalities in the class. I might like trigonometry best one semester, but prefer elementary algebra the next. It’s not the subject that makes it a favorite, but the students that make up the class.
When you first joined Meramec family, did you ever envision being here for 26 years?
Absolutely! I knew when I started that this was exactly what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be for the rest of my teaching career. I had previously taught at the University of Tennessee, St. Louis University, St. Louis College of Pharmacy and several other area community colleges. There is no campus like Meramec. I still feel honored that I was offered a position here.
What’s your favorite part about teaching at a community college?
I like getting to know my students, making a connection. They are not just numbers at Meramec. I usually know most of my students with a few weeks of the semester. This is not possible when your class sizes are too big (which is common at large universities.)
Lynn Bjorkgren
Have you been teaching education for all the years that you’ve been at Meramec?
My years at STLCC have been split. I taught 21 years on the Florissant Valley campus and the other 19 at Meramec. I started at the child development center at Florissant Valley teaching kindergarten. I was also an adjunct professor at that time. When I came to Meramec I joined the behavioral science department and teach in the early care and education program.
I’m assuming that you’ve taught different classes within the education department. What was your favorite class and why?
I’ve taught nine different classes in the ECE program. My favorites are the ones that deal with planning curriculum for young children. My favorite has probably been math and science in early care and education. Many students come to the class with lots of math anxiety, thinking they will not be successful because of bad math experiences in their own education. I see lots of growth in attitudes about math and science in this class when students realize that math and science for young children is fun and that they can be successful which of course benefits the young children they teach.
What’s your favorite part about teaching at a community college?
My favorite part of teaching at the community college has been working with children and families at Flo Valley and the adult students at Meramec. I feel like i have touched the lives of many, many children in the St. Louis area either directly because I was their kindergarten teacher or because a teacher they had in an early childhood program was a graduate of the ece program at Meramec. I have also enjoyed the professional development opportunities and the friendships I have made with other faculty and staff over the years.
Lillian Seese
Have you been teaching math for all 34 years that you’ve been at Meramec?
I have taught mathematics every year, but at the same time I served 11 years as department chair, 6 months as acting division dean, 3 years as college-wide developmental education coordinator, and 3 years spearheading the col.020 Program (which evolved into smart start). The variety of experiences was wonderful, and prevented “teacher burn out” for me.
I’m assuming that you’ve taught different classes within the math department. What was your favorite class and why?
There is no way I could pick a favorite. Whether it is calculus and differential equations (with very mathematically mature students who have serious career goals), or pre-algebra (with students who are brand new to the college experience), I love explaining math and helping students identify and meet their goals.
When you first joined Meramec family, did you ever envision being here for 34 years?
Yes – I have always wanted to be in the classroom, and found that at community colleges the focus on teaching and learning (rather than research and publishing) is very energizing. Before teaching here I was a junior high school math teacher in Idalou, Texas for 3 years. I really admire people who enjoy working with people in that age group!
What is the best compliment that you received from a student?
One said that she was nervous on her first day at Meramec, but in my 8 a.m. algebra class I inspired her by letting her know anything was possible – a philosophy she still believes in today. Another young man wrote from UMR to thank me for teaching him how to be a good student. If you have a teacher who has made a difference in your life, please drop them a note to let them know. It is very reaffirming to those of us who teach.
George Karleskint
Have you been teaching biology for all of the years that you’ve been at Meramec?
I’m actually completing my 31st year full time and I started teaching part-time in 1976 and yes i have taught biology courses for the entire time.
I’m assuming that you’ve taught different classes within the biology department. What was your favorite class and why?
Actually 2, principles of biology and marine biology.
What is the best compliment that you received from a student?
Actually several students have credited me with inspiring them to pursue their dreams and academic goals and giving them the tools to succeed. I find this the greatest compliment.
Are you looking forward to this school year coming to an end or this bittersweet for you? How so?
This is a very busy time and I am looking forward to the end. It is bittersweet in that I will be leaving many good friends.
Toni Garrett
Have you been teaching math for all 25 years that you’ve been at Meramec?
I have taught math for all of the 25 years that I have been at Meramec.
I’m assuming that you’ve taught different classes within the math department. What was your favorite class and why?
I love to teach intermediate algebra
What’s your favorite part about teaching at a community college?
Having classes small enough that I can get to know my students.
