Faculty Highlight
Mary Belknap
For Professor Mary Belknap, teacher education coordinator at Jackson Community College, being in the classroom is just like home.
"I've known I've wanted to be a teacher since I was in the second grade. I've always loved school, and I've always loved being a part of the school environment," Belknap said. She began teaching at Jackson Community College in August 2000 after spending a successful 27 years with Jackson Public Schools and Michigan Center Schools teaching a variety of subjects and particularly enjoying her work with alternative education, service learning, and cross age tutors. She thrives on developing new curriculums and programs. Her work in the Cross Age Tutoring course at Jackson High School earned Belknap national recognition as Michigan's 1996 Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Award winner. Named for the New Hampshire teacher who served as an astronaut on the space shuttle Challenger, the award recognizes innovation and dedication to teaching.
Since coming to JCC five years ago, she has helped to revamp and improve the teacher education preparation program. She shares this motto with students,"Future teachers are leaders," because of the impact teachers have on students in today's and tomorrow's classrooms. She is committed to getting teacher ed students into area schools and children's service agencies early, in their freshman year, so future teachers experience first hand the realities of the classroom, evaluate whether the teaching profession is for them, and build mentoring and resource connections with the area educational professionals. "By JCC future teachers helping area teachers and agencies with students in need, the bridge for true teaching and learning is complete at all levels."
She has also worked to create unique education-focused classes in several general studies areas, such as English, science and technology. A successful partnership with Spring Arbor University was established that allows for a "seamless" transfer for students from JCC to SAU. She has also instituted a number of events for teacher education students, including the largest state Future Teachers Conference, co-hosted by SAU and the Jackson County Intermediate School District. JCC and SAU co-host volunteer service fairs where teacher education students and others can come and explore opportunities for volunteer service in the community. "When you give of yourself, you connect your learning to the real world, others benefit and you are more apt to become an asset to society," Belknap said.
She has recently returned to school, again, to earn her doctorate from Michigan State University in the Ph.D. Higher Adult and Lifelong Education program through the Department of Educational Administration.
The teacher education program has received two grants during Belknap's tenure, both in the area of teacher preparation in math and science. She is board member- treasurer in the newly formed Michigan Association for Community College Educator Preparation (MACCEP), and a board member for the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP). She has also received awards for her service learning endeavors from the Michigan Campus Compact, Capital Area Higher Education Network Adult Learner of the Year Award in 2005, and numerous other honors during her career.
