Tuesday, March 31, 1998
Instructor incorporates interests into class
By KATIE O'HARACollegian Staff Writer
Linda Selzer, instructor of English and American Studies, always
knew she would end up in a classroom.
Her only question was -- which one?
"I always knew I wanted to teach. The issue was, what would
I teach," Selzer said.
Selzer, whose first interest was to become a Spanish teacher,
has studied in many different fields.
Combining her broad range of knowledge, Selzer teaches classes that touch upon diverse issues that have sparked her own interest and prompted her studies. The greatest reward of her profession, Selzer said, is the diversity of courses she teaches.
Linda Selzer, instructor of English and American Studies, sits in her office in Burrowes Building. Selzer said she always knew she wanted to teach, but was unsure what area she wanted to enter. (Collegian Photo/Christopher M. Mortensen - click for full size image)
English 194 brings together all the things about which Selzer
is passionate. In turn her students are passionate about the class.
"I'm always impressed with the amount of preparation the
students put into English 194," Selzer said.
Some of Selzer's interests other than her love of reading, include
films, travel and spending time with her two daughters, whom she
and her husband John, also a professor in the English department,
adopted.
"My daughters are a constant source of enjoyment and entertainment,"
Selzer said. "They help me recognize the little things that
are important."
Selzer has taught and studied at Miami University of Ohio before
coming to Penn State.
As a professor and a mentor, Selzer takes personal interest in
her students.
Selzer's love of teaching and the way she enjoys interacting with
students and faculty make her students realize that she wants
to learn along with them.
"I am always surprised by the teaching experience,"
Selzer said.
In the position, she said she is always able to mold a perspective
and be open to something new every day, she added.
"I feel privileged to work in a department that encourages
passionate teaching," Selzer said.
Selzer said her interest in literature and history stem from her
curiosity about life and toward the world. That curiosity is what
she believes is important for students to tap into.
"Use this time as a time to take hold of the opportunities that present themselves to you," Selzer said. "My best advice to students is to experiment and experience everything (they) can."
