In honor of the upcoming Faculty Appreciation Week, we want to recognize and celebrate our devoted faculty members. Your commitment to student success and dedication to education make a lasting difference in the lives of your students. Every day, you guide, challenge, and empower students, helping them grow and achieve their goals. Your dedication extends beyond the classroom, seen in your late-night grading, thoughtful discussions, and unwavering guidance. We appreciate your ongoing support of the library, consistently directing students to the resources they need to succeed and championing our efforts. Through this ongoing connection, we see firsthand the impact of your passion for education.
That connection is something I’ve experienced firsthand. Believe it or not, the library isn’t just for librarians - we’ve got a couple of “outsiders” in the mix, and yes, I’m one of them. So, how did someone without a library degree find themselves here?
Like many in education, my career path has taken unexpected turns. I started college with an open mind, knowing I wanted to pursue a career path that would leave a positive impact on the world. During my first semester, I took an early childhood class and immediately knew that was the field for me. I had always loved children, and this felt like the perfect fit. I adored my instructor, Dr. Berkley. Beloved by all, she was an exceptionally kind, compassionate, and patient teacher. She introduced us to Montessori education, emphasizing learning through play and hands-on activities. It was in her classes that my love for children’s books blossomed. She would share stories, such as Robert Munsch's Love You Forever and Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree. Always her captive audience, we listened in tears. She would quote Mr. Rogers, 'look for the helpers,' stressing that we were helpers, teachers. We learned how to create a space where children feel safe and loved. I had found “my people.”
I pursued my undergraduate degree in elementary education with a focus on early childhood, and later earned a master’s degree in literacy education. With teaching experience, I moved to Arizona, where I was introduced to the University of Phoenix, a life-changing moment. Although I hadn’t planned on working in higher education, this opportunity set me on a new and exciting path.
I’ve now been at the University of Phoenix for 18 years, working in several roles, from teacher support in the College of Education to the Student Resources Team. I have been lucky enough to work in faculty support roles, where I continue to be impressed by our instructors' dedication and talent. As a faculty member myself, I'm grateful for the opportunity to stay connected to my passion for teaching.
Several years ago, I joined the library team. As the library’s project manager, I work on various projects ranging from copyright reviews to managing requests for library guides - those resource pages you often see in your courses. I admit, I questioned what I had to offer the library. Would there be common ground? What would it be like to work alongside librarians? To my relief (and delight), the librarians were welcoming and supportive. They valued my experience and unique, albeit outsider, perspective. Similar to my experience in college, I realized I had yet again “found my people.”
As time passed, I realized there are many similarities between librarians and teachers. Both are dedicated to supporting students and guiding them throughout their academic journeys. They both strive to create welcoming environments where no question is a stupid question (although there might be a few that make us smile!). Our shared commitment to inspiring curiosity and equipping students with the resources for success makes us integral parts of the student experience. Librarians and teachers foster a lifelong passion for learning, knowledge, and reading - where would we be without them?
Teachers, thank you for the passion, patience, and dedication you bring to your classrooms. Your support helps students develop critical thinking skills, build confidence, and reach their full potential. The impact you make extends beyond the classroom, helping to shape not only their academic success but also giving them the skills they need to succeed in their future careers. As we celebrate Faculty Appreciation Week, we recognize the shared mission between teachers and librarians - to foster curiosity, build confidence, and shape lifelong learners. Your efforts truly make a difference in students' lives, and we’re grateful for your continued support.
Who was your most influential teacher, and how did they impact your life or career? Share your story in the comments!
Looking to enhance your teaching and research? The Faculty Hub provides a range of resources, including Toolkits, How-Do-I Guides, classroom resources, and more! Visit the Faculty Hub to explore!
Carrie Woodhouse is the library's project manager and oversees many of the library's day-to-day processes. She enjoys taking walks and regularly visits a murder of crows in her neighborhood, who now recognize her when she's out and about.