-: My name is Shavonna Holman, and I am
an assistant professor of practice
in the educational administration department.
Before coming to UNL, I worked in elementary education
as a fourth grade teacher, initially.
I taught fourth grade for six years and then
I became an assistant principal, and was in that role
as an assistant principal for seven years
at three different elementary buildings
for the Omaha public schools.
So, in my role as an assistant professor
of practice, my primary obligations are
to teach students who are interested
in pursuing their masters
in educational administration and leadership,
and then I'm also the coordinator for the masters
in educational leadership program, as well.
So, as a coordinator I take all incoming calls,
questions, regarding the program,
what students need to do in order to obtain their degree
in educational administration, as well as students
who are seeking their certification in elementary
or secondary education as an administrator.
Plan the classes, teach the classes, and just primarily
help students through their program as they're working
their way to their degree.
The best part for me is being able to teach again.
Teaching has always been my passion,
and so I initially started
as a teacher, as I said here earlier, and so being able
to come back to teaching again and then teaching teachers
who want to become administrators
is so exciting, for me, and I just love
being back with students again.
My favorite thing about working at UNL is that I am working
with adults who are also very interested in helping
the lives of students,
wanting to become administrators specifically
in my program.
I love the people that I work with, and just
being able to help others.
Oh, there are lots of things
that make a successful student.
One thing that comes to mind is a student
who actually reads the syllabi. (laughs)
And make sure that they are doing
what they're supposed to be doing, as a student.
I always tell my students that I wouldn't accept anything
less of you than what you would accept
from your own students, and so, just make sure
that you are living up to the expectations
of your instructor, that you're following
all the expectations and the guidelines
that have set forth for you, and just communicate
with them, and things will be just perfect.