NEW TA Q&A with Caitlin Moran and Kristen Neumann
Author: lskramer
1. What do you wish your students knew about you?
Caitlin Moran, MA, RCPC: I wish students knew that I’m learning as much from them as they are from me.
Kristen Neumann, PhD, RPC: I wish they knew how much I am rooting for them.
2. What one word would your students use to describe you?
Caitlin: Passionate!
Kristen: Relatable.
3. What’s something your students have taught you this semester?
Caitlin: I hope students teach me how they best learn so that I can improve my teaching for other students down the line.
Kristen: They’ve taught me how important teachers can be as humans in their lives.
4. What one teaching tool will we always find you with?
Caitlin: I always have my iPad on hand because I write my lesson plans in it.
Kristen: My emotional support water bottle.
5. If you could share one sentence of advice with newer teachers, what would it be?
Caitlin: You know more than you think you do!
Kristen: I would still classify myself as a “newer” teacher but I think one of the most important things for me has been acting confident even when I’m not feeling confident.
6. What’s something you are passionate about (outside of ISUCOMM)?
Caitlin: I’m really passionate about creative writing and weightlifting–dorky and strong is the way to go.
Kristen: I’m really passionate about the outdoors. I love camping, canoeing, and backpacking.
7. What has been your favorite assignment to teach in ENGL 150 or 250/what are you excited to teach in ENGL 150 or 250?
Caitlin: I’m looking forward most to the Personal Narrative assignment in ENGL 150.
Kristen: I hadn’t previously taught ENGL 150 or 250 but I’ve taught the personal narrative unit before in other courses and I really enjoyed what students were willing to share with me.
8. What is your most frequently used emoji?
Caitlin: 🤠 💅
Kristen: 😆
9. If you had your own late-night talk show, who would you invite as your first guest?
Caitlin: Fran Lebowitz!
Kristen: Emma Watson
10. If you had to sing karaoke, what song would you pick?
Caitlin: My karaoke song would be “Downtown” by Macklemore–only because my girlfriend has played it so much in the car that I know all the lyrics by heart, albeit against my will.
Kristen: “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift