Basic Skills (ABE/ESL): Instructor
Office: R-21 on the Mount Vernon campus
Phone: (360) xxx.xxxx
Email: Sean.Howard@skagit.edu
Sean Howard
My education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology and Forestry from West Virginia University (1991), Master of Science in Environmental Geography from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1997), and a Master of Arts degree in Adult and Community Education also from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2007).
My professional experience includes 5 years working as a child counselor in school and in the home, 7 years of work as a biologist, Interpretive and Back Country and River Ranger, Emergency Medical Technician, Interpretive Ranger, and Wildland Fire Fighter for the United States Forest Service and US Park Services. I was also an Environmental Educator for the United States Peace Corps in Niger West Africa (1997 – 1999).
I am an avid outdoor person that enjoys skiing, running, biking, and kayaking; and I play and write music. I am the advisor to the SVC Outdoor Club, co-advisor for the SVC Environmental Conservation Club.. This is my 13th year of teaching at Skagit Valley College. As an IBEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) instructor, I have taught math and writing skills in the welding, manufacturing, and automotive programs, and now I am focused mainly on supporting workforce mathematics and general chemistry. Also, I teach in the Environmental Conservation Department (ENVC). These ENVC classes include Watershed Management, Limnology (Lake Study), and River Ecology and others. I also teach biology and geography. In addition, I have been on our Sustainability Committee for over 10 years.
My educational philosophy is that everyone can succeed. I did not do well in high school because I was not engaged; however, once I had some “transformative” experiences created by inspiration teachers in my first years of college, I realized that I could be a successful student. I must say that I also had math tutor my last year of high school. This allowed me to get ahead of the class, which made a huge difference in my view of what was possible for me. “Transformative Learning” is a philosophy that says that once a student begins to succeed, they will be much more likely to succeed in the future. I am an example of this. I also believe strongly in “Self-Directed Learning.” This is the idea that each of us controls our own learning process – including developing strong “Information Literacy” skills, which is knowing what information is needed and how to find it efficiently. I believe that most of our learning occurs out of the school - especially with the development of the internet (however a good home library can work well too). It is the teacher's role to inspire and help guide this self-directed learning!
I enjoy working with students in the classroom, and taking students for service activities and fun trips with the clubs.. My top pieces of advice that I have for students is to fully engage in your education and show up. Try to not miss any days - that’s right, don’t miss ANY days, and don’t turn any assignments in late. In fact, be early for class and turn in assignments early. Do this and I guarantee that you will be successful. I missed no day in my two graduate degree sequences, and I graduated with my masters in Environmental Geography with a 3.82 and I graduated my Masters of Education with a 4.0! perfect!! You can do this too!!