Why Become an Instructor?

Why become an LLI instructor?

The Lifelong Learning Institute at Virginia Tech is a volunteer organization; instructors are not paid for their teaching,* but many find it rewarding in other ways:

• Teaching is itself a form of lifelong learning. In describing the research and planning that goes into course development, some instructors note then feeling of being fully immersed and engaged–that rare and enjoyable mental state psychologists call “flow.”

• Experienced teachers often enjoy the freedom from grading, paperwork, and assessment. Every LLI student chooses to be in our classes–no need for force-feeding and no external requirement to cover required material. The gift you offer–of your experience, wisdom, and expertise–will be gratefully received.

• For those with no prior classroom experience, teaching for LLI can be one of those happy adventures retirement makes newly possible, a chance to try on a different kind of leadership and share hidden talents and knowledge.

• Younger, still active faculty enjoy the intergenerational contact LLI provides and the opportunity to share their research beyond disciplinary peers. Teaching for LLI is often for them a highly valued form of community outreach.

• Stimulating conversation and dialogue enliven LLI courses. The relationships that often grow out of these exchanges can be a powerful cure for loneliness and social isolation.

Several veteran LLI instructors have recorded 2-minute videos describing their own experiences teaching for our program. Listen to their stories here. 

*A small token of our gratitude for instructor service:
Instructors of courses 3 weeks or longer are invited to take advantage of a free one-term membership and complementary enrollment in one course.  Instructors may enroll during the term they are teaching, or may postpone this benefit to a subsequent term.  Please contact Pat Hyer (at either hyerp@vt.edu or 951-4968) or Lyndsay Lalonde (llalonde@vt.edu) for more information.