E183: Monica Reis-Bergen: Leader, Team Player, Innovator, Student-Focused, and Down to Earth

In this episode Garth and Jane Halonen from the University of West Florida interview Monica Reis-Bergen from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Jane returns to the institution where she hired Monica, completing the circle.  Monica is pleased to serve as the utility infielder of the department, teaching many different courses over the years. She is optimistic about nearly everything, including post-pandemic developments and her research projects with her students.  She is innovative in and out of the classroom, striving to create community and help students overcome their insecurities.  She rejects the teaching metaphors of 'sage on the stage' or 'guide on the side' and prefers that the student be the musician singing with me or even singing alone.  Her YouTube channel 'Coffee With Monica' was a hit during the pandemic, and these three enjoy a delightful conversation.