Teaching & Learning Champions are faculty & staff who contribute to student learning (Guided Pathways Essential Practice #4). We share their stories to celebrate their dedication to instructional excellence & innovation in a series of spotlight articles. #ACCExcellence

Andrea Martinez AlvaradoMeet Andrea Martinez Alvarado, TLED’s Social Media Intern for the Spring 2020 semester!

Three words that best describe you?

Thoughtful, sincere, warm.

How do you support faculty at ACC?

I support ACC faculty by sharing timely, relevant, and engaging information on social media. This is important because having the right access and knowledge of available resources can help faculty make the most of their teaching and instruction while striving for student success.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was little I was absolutely fascinated by the weather, so much that I wanted to be a meteorologist. Not to be an on-air weather girl, but to work behind the scenes and conduct atmospheric research. Obviously, my plans took a different turn but I absolutely love the social media world. Social media is such a powerful tool when it’s used with the intent to connect. I love how exciting and ever-changing it is, sort of like the weather!

What is the best advice you ever received?

The best advice I have ever received is “always be kinder than you feel.” Sure, that’s not to say to let others walk all over you, but genuine kindness is in severe lack in this day and age, and it’s easy to let the anger of others influence our view on the world. For me, the best approach to life is to be kinder than I feel is necessary.

How do you keep up to date in your field?

It’s no secret that social media is constantly changing. It can be difficult to keep up with all the new trends, conversations, challenges, and hashtags popping up every single day. I keep up to date in my field by being active on social media and taking note of what is gaining a lot of momentum. I am also a part of several professional social media groups on LinkedIn and follow social media thought leaders on Twitter to learn as much as I can from the pros.

Connect with Andrea via email: andrea.martinezalvarado@austincc.edu

Recommend a Colleague:

Do you know someone who is a champion of teaching & learning? Send their name & why you’re nominating them to TLEDcomms@austincc.edu.