Why Do Hyper-Driven Harvard Professors Teach at Harvard Extension School?
Hyper-driven professors at Harvard often engage in teaching at the Harvard Extension School (HES) for a variety of reasons that extend beyond just earning additional income. Let’s explore the motivations behind these prestigious educators and how their involvement benefits both the students and the broader academic community.
The Broader Impact of Teaching at HES
One of the primary reasons for these professors to teach at HES is to achieve a broader impact. By instructing at the Extension School, educators can reach a diverse group of learners including working professionals and non-traditional students. This outreach extends their influence beyond the traditional undergraduate and graduate student populations, allowing them to shape the educational landscape on a more diverse scale. Just as I have inquired about this with close to every professor I’ve encountered, the feedback has been consistent – these courses serve as a springboard to influence the lives of those seeking to learn and grow beyond the traditional academic setting.
Flexibility in Teaching
Another compelling reason is the flexibility that HES offers. This environment is more accommodating to professors who are engaged in intensive research or have other commitments. The schedules and teaching loads at HES are often more manageable, which helps to alleviate the stress of a full academic workload. For professors with packed diaries, HES can provide a valuable alternative that supports their diverse responsibilities.
Engaging with Lifelong Learners
Professors find teaching at HES especially rewarding because of the dynamic interaction with students who are keen to learn for personal or professional development. HES students are mostly working adults with rich, diverse lives, and these learners bring a wealth of practical experiences and perspectives to the classroom. Such engagement allows for a more stimulating and enriching educational experience for both the professor and the students, fostering a vibrant and engaging learning environment.
Supplementary Income and Professional Development
In addition to the broader impact and flexibility, professors at Harvard also benefit from the supplementary income that comes with teaching at HES. This can be particularly attractive for those involved in extensive research, projects, or other initiatives. Beyond the financial incentive, teaching at HES also provides an opportunity for professional development. Involving oneself in a different student demographic can enhance teaching skills and offer new perspectives that enrich primary teaching roles.
Innovative Teaching Methods
The Harvard Extension School often encourages innovative teaching methods and course design, allowing professors to experiment with new ideas and approaches. This environment supports the exploration of dynamic pedagogical strategies that can be applied to their primary teaching roles, leading to the continuous improvement of educational practices.
Personal Insight and Feedback from Professors
I have sought answers to this question from numerous professors, and the feedback has been largely uniform. Among those in the Department of Psychology, for example, professors are highly successful in both the College and GSAS (Graduate School of Arts and Sciences), running productive laboratories and enjoying tenured positions with significant salaries. Still, the response given to me time and time again has focused on the different climate provided by the nocturnal student body at HES.
Students at HES are diverse and enriched with a wealth of practical experiences and professional backgrounds. These learners bring unique perspectives to the table, enriching the classroom and creating a highly engaging and dynamic learning environment. This climate, as reported by professors, is what truly sets HES apart and makes it a highly valued and transformative educational experience.
Conclusion
In summary, teaching at the Harvard Extension School offers professors an opportunity to expand their impact, maintain flexibility, engage with a diverse group of learners, earn supplementary income, innovate in their teaching methods, and develop professionally. The flexibility, diverse student body, and innovative teaching environment make HES an invaluable addition to the academic landscape, providing professors with a unique and rewarding experience.