Character Letter

Since this transformative teaching training emphasized listening to students and reflecting on the ways in which one successfully or unsuccessfully encourages learning in one´s classroom, I decided to give my students from the fall semester the opportunity to write a letter or comment on my character as a teacher. They had the option to submit this anonymously. I have also included relevant letters I have received from students over the years. Given the letter of recommendation included elsewhere in this portfolio (forthcoming) is from another faculty, the chair of the Anthropology/Sociology Department at UNO, I thought it appropriate to make this letter, or rather string of comments and letters, come from students theirselves.

I have been going to school on and off since I was 19, finally settling down and picking a major and have just 4 classes left to achieve my bachelors. Mike, you are the first professor/instructor I have ever had in an online course that I really felt was engaged with the class. As someone who takes mostly online classes, I sometimes miss the personal aspect of a classroom setting, however you find little ways to bring that sort of environment to an online setting, which I appreciate tremendously.

With online classes, I feel like sometimes I just read the information and regurgitate it and move on without really retaining any of the information, but that is not the case with this course. I really feel like I had to learn the information and understand it to be able to have a good discussion board post and comments, and the fact that there aren't actual tests and quizzes but that time is spent instead on focusing on the final project is also a big plus. I have severe test anxiety and find that I make stupid little mistakes (like missing a question or accidentally selecting the wrong answer, even though I know the correct one) and it unfortunately has a negative effect on my grades.

Speaking of the final project--this is the first course where I've really been required to do any sort of academic writing. It is a little intimidating, as I have never done a book or literature review until now. There are so many materials provided to us to explain how to do each type of review and what the point of it is, and we are encouraged to share our findings and actually discuss our projects, must like we would in the classroom. I have appreciated your style of teaching so much that I actually asked permission to take another course of yours next semester, and have it count as my last sociology elective. 

I am not here to just obtain a degree. I chose a degree program that fit into my career and what I want to keep doing, and I actually do have a desire to learn from the courses I am taking. I cannot thank you enough for the support and guidance you have provided this semester, it has definitely helped me to be a better student. - Crystal Stewart

I have taken two classes now that Mike has taught.  I specifically chose this second class with Mike because I appreciate how he runs his online courses.  As a nontraditional student, I  have taken numerous online courses.  They are not all created equal.  Mike is one who will honestly take the time to get the information across to us.  He gives unbelievable feedback on our assignments.  He is able to write with humor, which makes the task of having to focus on a laptop screen more enjoyable and it certainly helps to keep my attention.  He is quick to answer questions and will give an honest and thoughtful response.  He is good at directing the class and very good at explaining what he is asking for.  I would recommend his online courses to anyone. - Lindie Schreiner

I have thoroughly enjoyed this course.  If I hadn't just graduated yesterday I would be looking to take another course in which you were listed as the instructor.  I felt the course was well organized and the lectures helped me understand the material presented.  I really appreciate your detailed feedbackon my work.  I just love the humor in your teaching style!  You kept me riveted to the material.  I wish you could have taught genetics, maybe I would have done better.  Thanks for a great class! - Myfanwy Smolsky

Professor Glennon has been an inspiring figure for me this semester. His enthusiasm for topics taught are catching and extremely helpful in getting students, especially myself, engaged. He is personable and accessible in terms of feedback and critique. I am thankful to have experienced his class. Online courses have been a challenge for me because most lack personality and support. I walk away from this course feeling that I have made a good decision in terms of my education. I have a new found interest in the way people connect with each other and how the world functions in terms of sociology. I hope more students elect his courses for inspiration and connections in education with the real world. - Anonymous

Mr. Glennon has been a most helpful instructor. He is knowledgeable about the subject and displays an enthusiasm that I liked and enjoyed. He provided alot of interesting information so that I could better understand the coursework and was willing to give helpful feedback on assignments. When I emailed him a question about the class, he answered promptly and satisfied my inquiry. He is very engaged and enthusiastic, which makes the class more exciting. I would be very happy to have him as an instructor again. - Anonymous

I have taken quite a few college classes in my time but Mr. Glennon is a very passionate educator. Even though this is an on-line only class, his passion for the subject comes through and he put a lot of time and thought into this class. This is the only professor that I have ever had that did his own blog throughout the course. I am thankful that I had this instructor and I hope that he continues to teach this class with the same level of excitement that I have seen over the last 12 weeks. - Tracy Kelly

I really liked the instructor. He was always quick to answer any questions his students had. The course is run in a way that gives students the option to choose their own path, yet had some structure in what needs to be done. This gives the students a say in what they do or do not do. The instructor seems to really enjoy the subject, giving the students more insight into the topics covered throughout the semester. Also, he seems really involved with the students, giving explanation as to why they received the grade on an assignment. This allows the students to know what needs to be worked on. - Maxine Gasper