Relevancy and Revitalization: Retaining Quality and Vitality in Two-Year College Mathematics Faculty

Summary The process of providing quality instruction in mathematics involves more than changing the content of a curriculum as needs change. It must also focus upon ensuring the existence of a committed, confident and motivated faculty with a knowledge of the new or altered content. The vitality of the faculty is essential for effective implementation of curriculum change. Over the years that vitality has been allowed to decrease through heavy workloads, changing student clientele, increased noninstructional duties for faculty and insufficient remuneration. Two-year colleges must devote themselves to revitalizing the faculty. A quality faculty is the key to quality instruction. A curriculum change also requires a faculty knowledgeable about the new content. Retraining oppurtunities, workshops, and minicourses need to be provided with greater frequency and in convenient locations. Opportunities for faculty to experience the activities in local industries need to be provided. Only a properly prepared and revitalized mathematics faculty will be sufficiently equipped to meet the changing needs of students and industry. This conference must concentrate not only on recommending curriculum change but also on communicating those recommendations and on providing preparation and support for the implementation of these recommendations.