Watts, Tanya

As an adjunct biology instructor at Waubonsee since 2015, I strive to provide students with opportunities for active learning, communication, and collaboration through a variety of interactive resources. Over the past seven years, I have developed, implemented, and revised inclusive teaching tools and techniques based on student feedback and success (every individual experience matters). My aim is to engage every student in the learning process in order to achieve all their educational and career goals. I feel truly fortunate that I get to do what I love doing. I also love spending time with family, tending my ever-growing vegetable garden, camping, and swimming anytime Illinois weather allows. I enjoy crafting, canning, crocheting, and creating scavenger hunts (which led to developing virtual escape rooms).

I know firsthand the opportunities institutions like Waubonsee Community College provides its students and community. If there is anything I can do to help, or questions I might answer, please email me at twatts@waubonsee.edu

Education:

M.S. (2014) Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

• Biological Sciences

B.S. (2012) Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

• Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies (minor)

A.A. (2009) Rock Valley College, Rockford, IL

Certifications/Badges:

Master Online Teacher (2022) University of Illinois Springfield

Applying the QM Rubric (2022) Quality Matters

I teach the following face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses:

   BIO100 Introduction to Biology

   BIO101 Introduction to Biology Laboratory

   BIO120 Principles of Biology

   BIO200 Nutrition

I have presented at two Inclusive Teaching Excellence Series seminars at Waubonsee, and will present my work on “Immersive Online Escape Rooms Promote Student Collaboration and Enhance Learning” at the NABT Professional Development Conference in Indianapolis in 2022. 

I will strive to provide faculty with strategies and tools for success as Adjunct Faculty Development Coordinator of FDAE. I look forward to working with fellow adjuncts to help create unique learning opportunities for their students by applying their interests, gifts, and talents to their individual pedagogies.

Technical Resources & Support:

If this is your first semester taking classes online, or if you are new to Canvas, I highly recommend completing the Canvas Student Orientation. The course is self-paced and you can refer back to it at any time as a reference. Please refer to the Canvas Technology Accessibility Standards and Canvas Support (833) 201-9762 as needed.

If you do not have a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam, I strongly recommend emailing librarytechsupport@waubonsee.edu to request a loan for a laptop, webcam, or even hotspot as early as possible. Some of the material included in my courses (in particular, videos) require a high-speed internet connection in order to work effectively. If you have technical Issues with your mywcc password, email or mywcc you can get help at the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or email them at tac@waubonsee.edu.

Additional Student Supports, Services & Resources: 

Waubonsee Community College is committed to your success, and has many free supports, services, and resources available to you.  Please see the Student Experience page for more information and to get connected with Academic Support, Career Development, Counseling and Advising, Disability Resources, Student Life, Student Services, Technical Assistance Center, the Veterans Program, and many more! If you’re not sure what type of assistance you need, please email me at twatts@waubonsee.edu and I will help get you connected. Waubonsee also offers tutoring in-person and online. If you need tutoring, you can choose the Tutoring Center option that works best for you.

In lieu of office hours, I am happy to schedule an appointment with you for a virtual meeting using ZOOM. Please email me (twatts@waubonsee.edu) to schedule an appointment, and I will send you a meeting link.

If you have not participated in a ZOOM meeting before or need help getting set up, please watch this YouTube video on how to join a ZOOM meeting.