Cathy Bolser
Education Instructor

Office:  CT 214
Phone:  (217)443-8820
E-mail: cbolser@dacc.edu

Education Program Link  

Educational Background:
M.S. University of Illinois - Early Childhood Education
B.S. Illinois State University - Special Education, K-12
A.S. Danville Area Community College
Teaching Certificates
Illinois Standard Early Childhood (Age 0 - Grade 3)
Standard Elementary (K-9)
Standard Special (K-12) with endorsement in Learning Disabilities, Mental Retardation, and Social/Emotional Disorders

Courses Taught:

Education Courses
EDUC 101 Nature of the Teaching Profession
EDUC 110 Role of the Teacher Aide
EDUC 270 Education of the Exceptional Child
EDUC 260 Health and Nutrition for Young Children
EDUC 103 Introduction to Early Childhood
EDUC 208 Language Development
EDUC 220 Day Care Administration
EDUC 209 Child Psychology
EDUC 111 Teacher Aide Practicum
EDUC 201 Early Childhood Internship
EDUC 106 Guiding Children
EDUC 160 Observation of Children
 

Experience in Education
After teaching nearly 20 years in the public school setting at the Elementary Childhood level as a special education teacher, I came to DACC as a part-time instructor, teaching Child Development and Education of Children with Exceptional Characteristics.

In the fall of 1999 after much debate and careful consideration, I traded the world of teaching young children, which I loved, to move to full-time in the halls of higher education.  In addition to my teaching at DACC, I regularly collaborate with community agencies seeking services for children in their families.  As a member of Child and Family Connections: Focus on Early Intervention, The National Association for Education of Young Children, The All Our Kids Network, the Area Daycare Directors' Association, and the advisory council for Child Care Resources Services, I am able to assist families of young children access services, which better their lives.

Other areas of community involvement  include:  Faith-in-Action South (serves the elderly), Delta Kappa Gamma (international honorary society for teachers), Planning Committee for St. Mary's School in Westville, and Region 8 representative for DACCEA.

Philosophy of Education
I see the role of a teacher as that of a facilitator.  It is the teacher who assesses the needs of students, plans activities to address these needs, and determines how effective these activities are in assisting the students' learning, but ultimately learning must come from the student.  When students take the responsibility for their own learning, it becomes meaningful.

Learning is much more than absorbing facts; it requires a student to apply these facts to new situations both inside the classroom and out.  To reach this end, my course assignments require application of theory introduced in classroom lectures and discussions.  In addition, on a regular basis, students in education classes will both observe in classroom settings and plan learning activities to share with children in their care.

I also believe that I can best serve my students by setting high expectations.  Developing proper writing and speaking skills is an integral part of these standards, as well as establishing the notion of personal accountability and active participation  in the community.  Raising the bar, so to speak, challenges students to reach beyond mediocrity to find the best that is in them and to strive to continue to grow and improve throughout their lives.

Personal Information
My time outside the classroom is spent at my country log home with my husband, Ron, and my two daughters. Jenna, a senior at Schlarman, also attends DACC part time, while Heather, a senior at the U of I, is also enrolled in the two-year nursing program at Parkland.  I dabble at flower gardening, avidly read mystery and historical novels for pleasure, and delight in exploring flea markets and antique stores.  My family also takes part in re-enactments of the Revolutionary War Period.