INSPIRING TEACHER
Inspiring Teacher: Angeline Walswick
Published January 2019
Angeline Walswick’s favorite teachers were caring, compassionate and loved to teach. That same formula has helped Walswick become a well-respected and successful teacher at NDSU.
Walswick teaches courses on understanding and developing compassion in patient care, service learning and critical thinking. She connects students with long-term care residents and delights as the pairings provide vital hands-on experience and friendship. And she asks students to regularly apply new skills and reflect on their impact.
Walswick earned her bachelor’s degree in social studies education at Minnesota State University Moorhead and master’s degree of counseling psychology at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT TEACHING?
One thing I enjoy about teaching is that it provides an opportunity to continually learn. I keeping up with new research or knowledge in a content area, and develop and practice new teaching methods. I also learn a great deal from my students.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TEACHING STYLE?
I incorporate active learning techniques in the classroom and I encourage students to become active learners in all of their courses. In the courses I teach, students often have personal experience related to the course topic. I like to allow for opportunities for them to share their knowledge and experience.
WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON TRAIT OR TRAITS OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS?
Successful students put a great deal of time and effort into their learning. Students who are more engaged in their education tend to be more successful. These traits will not only lead to success as a student but will be highly valued by future employers.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR TEACHING CAREER SO FAR?
It is challenging to identify one specific moment. One thing I have found especially gratifying is that students in the compassion in patient care course often continue to visit with their resident long after the course is complete. It is nice to see that the relationships students have developed have a long-term impact on both themselves and their resident.
WHO IS THE TEACHER WHO INSPIRED YOU AS A STUDENT AND WHY?
I have been fortunate to meet many inspiring educators throughout my life, from preschool to my current colleagues. Each person influenced me in a different way, but they all have some things in common: they care about students as individuals, they are passionate about their field, and they genuinely enjoy teaching.
