11: Helping Students Cross the Stage: How Dawn Joyce is Ensuring Student Success During and After College

In this episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with Dawn Joyce, an esteemed English Professor at SPC Clearwater campus, to delve into effective teaching strategies for diverse learners. Dawn shares her journey to becoming an educator and the innovative methods she employs to engage her students meaningfully. Dr. Williams and Dawn discuss the critical role of understanding each student's unique background and needs, the responsible use of emerging technologies like AI, and the significant value of passionate and supportive faculty members in higher education. The conversation also touches on the importance of online learning, scholarships, and study abroad opportunities, all aimed at enhancing student retention and success. Tune in to learn how personalized instruction and building strong relationships with students can lead to transformative educational experiences. KEY POINTS:  [02:31] - The reason why Dawn Joyce chose to become an educator [04:00] - Different teaching strategies in high school and college  [07:15] - The unique way of Dawn for learning methods [12:57] - On recognizing the emerging technologies like AI tools in education [16:15] - How Dawn stands in the gap as a professor [19:23] - The importance of faculty in higher education [26:08] - On navigating online learning  [32:25] - SPC’s priority: new student learning system and faculty support QUOTABLES:  “ChatGPT has some great qualities, and so does AI, but it's not going to work for everything.” – Dawn Joyce “A big part of your role as faculty is just changing lives and helping people go from poverty to prosperity. And what they're learning is not just the actual lesson you're teaching, but what they're learning about themselves.” – Dr. Tonjua Williams “To be an online student, you have to have some self-discipline because there is a little bit of having to work at your own pace.” – Dawn Joyce GUEST RESOURCES Dawn Joyce LinkedIn | @dawn-joyce RESOURCES St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/