PROFESSOR AND WRITER SEEKS OPPORTUNITYWhat type of job are you looking for? I am a writer and a professor of English and Writing (journals, essays, technical, creative). I have taught for the past 25 years, 17 of which I was a Core Faculty member at Cornish College, Seattle, WA. I also taught in prisons for the Artist-in-Residence program. I taught for the Univ. of MD Overseas program, in Germany during the Gulf War. Besides teaching: literature, English and writing, I also have writing skills for academic and scholarly research. What nationality are you? American What languages do you speak (and at what level)? English (fluently); German (a little bit) What country or area are you looking to work in and why? Antarctica, because I am fascinated with the scientific research being done there, as well as the eclectic backgrounds of people who work and play there. I am also a novelist who would appreciate solace so that I may finish my novel in my spare time. What countries have you worked in? America, Germany, Austria What field do you currently work in? College teaching (academic) and writing. What fields have you worked in before? Psychology (Bachelor's degree) and Social Work; therapist; teaching in prisons; teaching Army Personnel during Gulf War; Fulbright Finalist; National Award for Writing What qualifications do you hold? Master's Degree in Writing and Literature; Bachelor's Degree in Psychology; numerous awards and fellowships. Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? While my own Formal Education is essential for success, I most value my self-education and consider myself an auto-didact. I was on my own at a young age, so I trusted my instincts and curiosities in all subjects from Quantum Physics to Philosophy, which I studied on my own, and used in my College english courses: Special Topics. Describe the benefits of working with others I appreciate working with others who pride themselves on integrity, as I do. I respect many opinions, but question the basis of those opinions as I believe an educated opinion is better than an uneducated opinion. I am extroverted and enjoy verbal banter. Describe the benefits of working alone I am also a novelist, which affords me much time to work alone, writing. I am independent and appreciate being given projects and then being allowed leeway in producing the product, which is open for discussion, as well. What was your worst working experience? My last teaching position at a private Arts college, where I was happy for 10 of the 17 years of my tenure. However, political correctness and their dependence upon students' tuition, led them to "dumbing-down" the writing and literature department. It was difficult for me to stand independently against this new policy, while my colleagues were more politically savvy. My colleagues also tested my ethics by having relationships with students. I left in 2005 and am only now ready to return to teaching and writing. What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? I learned that my idealism about teaching and education, learned from my own experience that education was the "way-out" of my difficult youth---is not valued by everybody. It's not enough to have high ethical standards and even to win awards; politics is also a useful skill if one is to survive in academe. I have strong opinions about integrity and high-standards in teaching, obviously. But when my college (Cornish) devalued the writing department for "sexier" courses, they did a great disservice to their students. It makes little difference how great one's ideas are, if a student lacks basic writing skills. Creative and Critical thinkers are missing from the new generation of workers who rely too much on the internet to solve basic literacy problems, muchless problems that require creative and critical design. What unique skills do you have? I have won numerous writing and teaching awards for excellence and uniqueness in my style. I enjoy engaging students in provacative discussions that lead to epiphanies. I also use humor and storytelling as a way of creating an ambitious and relaxed working environment. I have skills in writing and editing. I am passionate in my work, most of all. What would you consider as your 'dream job'? True 'dream jobs': Winning a 'genius award' from the MacArthur Foundation would be better than winning the lotto. Second, to win a Fullbright Fellowship (for the second time); except this time there would be actual funds available for my Fellowship (either in writing or teaching... Notwithdstanding my "true" dreams, I'd vote for this: teaching a few college courses in Special Topics (as I did at Cornish): ranging from philosophy to quantum mechanics to religion, and theory, while teaching a novel such as Moby Dick. I am a great believer in metaphor... To teach 3 hours/ day and devote some time to editing or helping to write a scientist's work in clearer form. Then, the other half of my time, I'd want to be alone to write and think. What are the most interesting aspects of your field? I think I answered that above. I really enjoy working with others in a congenial atmosphere; and, I am equally content to work in an isolated environment, alone. I use the internet for research and socializing. What are the least interesting aspects of your field? politics in academia How does a sense of humor help during the winter months? It is a matter of life-and-death. I imagine many folks down there are on the eccentric side of life. I think that's funny. I appreciate this question, especially so that I can add this: I am an observer of people. Besides my novel, Dot-to-Dot, I write a regular, humorous (mostly) column called: Front Porch Talker, which is similar to New Yorker's "A Friend Writes." I have been bragging to my friends for years that I will be working in Antarctica one of these days--I knew a writer who worked down there. (a friend of a friend) and said it was perfect! I'd be happy to send some samples of my column by email.... P.S. I really appreciate all the intelligent questions you've asked in this interview. How can potential employers contact you? Page Faulkner Mordecai 7925 Rainier Avenue South Seattle, WA 98118 (206) 760-7767 Email: Frontporchtalker@gmail.com Email: Frontporchtalker@hotmail.com | 
