Graduation 2012: Dr. Penny Wills and Gennie Fuemmeler. Photo Credit
Ms. Gennie Fuemmeler started teaching part-time at the College in 1995 and became full-time in 1999. She taught Academic Reading and Critical Thinking, Connections: Capstone Portfolio, English, Introduction to Education, Read Faster/Understand More I & II, and Reading Improvement. She excelled in the classroom and out. Teaching evaluations by Division Deans often were overwhelmingly positive. Student evaluations consistently indicated a high degree of satisfaction with the caliber of her teaching. In Fall 2009, all of Ms. Fuemmeler's students in English and Education classes said they would recommend her to others.
Outside of the classroom, Gennie worked on numerous projects to improve the learning outcomes of students and to maintain the high teaching standards of the college's faculty. She also shared her knowledge by giving presentations at local and regional events. She was a strong supporter of students and her peers alike. Her lengthy list of accomplishments below is a testimony to her passion for teaching.
Teaching
- Collaborated with YC Math Division to better meet the national teacher preparation challenges in mathematics
- Co-developer of new degree program, Associate of Arts in Elementary Education 2001
- Designed new courses EDU 210 & EDU 222
- Assessment Liaison for Communications Division
- Recipient of College of Innovation proposal to create and equip a multimedia portfolio lab for students 2003
- Designed new assessment rubric for Starting Block students Apr. 2005
- Formation of Student Focus Groups to track progress of Learning Community students 2005
Committee Work
- ADA Taskforce Committee 1999-2000
- Co-Chaired NCA Task Force with Dave Gorman
- produced Assessment of Student Academic Achievement document for NCA accreditation report
- Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee (SLOA) for 6 years
- Starting Block Learning Community Coordinator 2004-2008
- promoted dual learning communities: PSY101/ENG 140, SOC101/ENG101, HIS132/ENG140, MAT082/STU071, BIO100/ENG140, EDU200/COM131
- Chaired the Faculty Center Advisory Board
- established a permanent, fully equipped Great Ideas for Teaching (GIFT) Center for faculty use on both the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses
- established the annual "Encore Evening" presentations where Emeritus Faculty showcase their talents and gifts
- Faculty Senator 2004-2006
- 40th Anniversary Faculty Dinner Planning Committee 2008
- Staff Performance Management Task Force 2008-2009
Other College Activities
- Hired and evaluated Adjunct Education instructors
- Facilitated Communications Divisional Retreat Jan. 2003
- Planned and facilitated Assessment Leadership Retreat for YC faculty Aug. 2004
- Initiated with Institutional Research an ongoing longitudinal study and tracking system of placement scores, retention rates, GPA, etc. of developmental students in YC Learning Communities over six year period
- Planned, designed, and implemented with three other staff the first YC Summer Institute 2006, followed by the first Winter Institute 2007
Community Service
- Formed a partnership with NAU and PUSD for an internship program for YC education students in the CASA after-school program in the tri-city area 2000-2002
- Coordinated a Technology Convocation breakfast at YC for tri-city educators and administrators Spring 2000
- Hosted Arizona Education ATF meeting at YC Mar. 2002
- Initiated concept of Service Learning for YC students, in partnership with Mark Baker, PUSD, starting with involvement of YC students in local schools in 2008.
- Expanded community service projects for YC Learning Communities to include Read-a-Thons at Prescott YMCA and Head Start, promoting childhood literacy during “Make a Difference Month” Oct. 2005 -2006
Presentations
- "A Taste of Teaching Technologies" at Yavapai College Community Appreciation Day Oct. 1999
- "Viva! Vocabulary – Active Learning Strategies for College Students" Tucson Conference for Academic Support Programs 1999
- "What Mom Never Told You About Multiple Intelligences" at Yavapai College's state conference in May 2001
- "Effective Classroom Management" YC Faculty Development, Sedona 2001
- "Building Communities of Active Learners" Southwest Regional Learning Communities Conference Mar. 2002 Tempe, AZ
- "Teaching and Learning Styles" for Adjunct Faculty Workshop Nov. 2002
- "Expanding Learning Communities at Yavapai College" YC Faculty Development Day Aug. 2004
- "Creating and Sustaining a Developmental Learning Community" TYCA-West Conference Oct. 2005
Awards
- Outstanding Creativity and Innovation Award from Yavapai College 2008
- NISOD Celebration of Faculty Excellence Award 2009
- Association of Community College Trustee Faculty Award 2010
Ms. Fuemmeler retired in August, 2010 and was given Emeritus Faculty status April, 2012.
