Contact Me

• Email: tinstrut1@aol.com
  

• Office:BSBC Bldg., Room 213
CLASSES I AM TEACHING:

• Introduction to Sociology 1301
• Distance Education - Introduction to Sociology 1301
  
• Marriage & Family 2301
• Social Problems 1306
• Criminology 2336
  
  

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:

My instructional philosophy is to tap into student's intellectual curiosity by empowering them with knowledge and skills that will help provide them with unlimited choices and possibilities for their future.  Humans now live in a truly diverse, global village in which we are all interconnected to each other through such elements as mass media, technology, travel, natural disasters, terrorism and diseases, etc.  Therefore, it is imperative to educate and assist students in realizing their unique, greatest potential so they can make a positive difference in their own lives, their family's lives and for society.

Education is the key to doors opening for power, status, independence and wealth. My role as an educator is to teach students to become "creators of new ideas". My charge is to enlighten, challenge and prepare students to develop their intellectual capabilities and to strive for excellence regarding their education and achievement. I teach that that NO task is too difficult to master and once they experience the sweet taste of success, a love of learning will become a lifelong process. I believe students must be guided to believe, dream and strive to accomplish the incredible, even when critics and naysayers say "it can't be done". In addition, I assist and encourage students to foster sound critical thinking skills and solid values. Lastly, all students have an obligation to use their education, life experiences, knowledge and skills to make society a better place for all humanity.

A powerful quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. states, "We are  all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I need to be until you are what you need to be. You can never be what you need to be, until I am what I ought to be; that is the interrelated structure of reality". This quote is the foundation by which all education should be taught. It is the creed by which I live my life and teach my classes.

It is my belief that the classroom of higher education is the location to begin the journey that transforms lives for all who enter.

My classes take students to the next level of their evolution in the educational process!

SPECIAL INTERESTS:

Technology:

I have been a pioneer in my department in the field of technology and was the first Professor to offer Hybrid and Distance Education courses in sociology classes at Central Campus.  I appreciate the role of technology and incorporate various and many components of technology  in my classes,  as an  additional tool to assist students in the learning process. I strongly feel that students must keep up with changing technology,  in order to be successful and competitive in the workplace.

HIV-AIDS:
I  saw a need in my classes regarding students being hungry for information about HIV-AIDS.  Therefore, in order to meet the needs of my students, I provide HIV-AIDS  seminars and lectures to my classes, the college, institutions and corporations, in order to empower students with knowledge and facts about awareness and prevention of HIV-AIDS. 

Special Events & Social Issues:
I am active in Student Services and an avid supporter of students being exposed to local, national and international speakers. Therefore,  I assist in securing dynamic scholars/speakers in the fields of academia,  political, cultural and social arenas for Special Events at Central College. In my opinion, such exposure gives students an opportunity to hear about and discuss local, national and global  issues affecting our society. Hopefully, in turn, this will help instill a sense of responsibility to "give back and find solutions" to problems and issues in their community, country and society.

Mentoring:

I mentor students interested in majoring in sociology and/or related areas of specialization (such as criminology, criminal justice, marriage & family, etc.) within sociology.  

Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in learning more about this wonderful discipline!

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