EMILY COWLES
STAFF WRITER
At the beginning of fall term, Alma College added new minds to its teaching staff, including Brian Hancock (’05), education professor.
Hancock, who taught at Alma High School for four years and at Central Michigan University for two years, was thrilled to come back to Alma.
Hancock, whose lifelong dream was teaching, highly praised his students.
“I sincerely appreciate [Alma students’] efforts to maintain a sustainable balance of both academic and non-academic areas of interest, as well as their willingness to work hard and—most importantly—ask questions!” said Hancock.
“Overall I’m very, very happy that I am able to work with such great students and colleagues!”
He is currently working on finishing his PhD in curriculum, instruction and teacher education, all while teaching classes in multiple disciplines.
“I teach the elementary and secondary science methods courses, the introductory (foundational) course in secondary education, as well as the introductory physical science course (and lab),” said Hancock.
Hancock expressed interest in integrating some of his doctoral international travels to the Netherlands into the curriculum here at Alma.
“I was able to spend a month working with refugee students in a Dutch transition school,” said Hancock.
“Once I wrap up my dissertation, I’d like to think about if and how an education-based spring term course in the Netherlands might fit into our current offerings and students’ needs.”
One of Hancock’s hobbies is bicycling, and he spoke about how traveling by bike allows one to learn different aspects of the community they are living in.
“I’d encourage all Alma College students (and faculty!) to take advantage of our local network of paved and off-road trails. Exploring by bike is a great way to get to know your local community (and beyond).”
Hancock believed that the liberal arts education system at Alma supports students’ diverse educational needs in ways larger institutions can’t.
“I’m excited to be part of such a unique college as we collectively prepare the next generations of teachers.”
