Paul Teague is a History instructor at Columbia College who teaches classes at the Fort Sill (Okla.) location and virtually through the Online Program.
Teague has been a member of the CC faculty for more than three years. He is highly regarded for his engaging teaching style and for creating learning communities within his classes that help bring history to life.
Get to know Teague in a Q&A with CC Connected below!
What are the highlights of your professional career outside of Columbia College?
“During the Invasion of Haiti in 1994, I had the honor of commanding a company during the first Army air assault from an aircraft carrier in history. It took about 20 minutes to get to Port-a-Prince. Sixteen guys with rucks in a Black Hawk is something you remember.”
How does your career experience influence the way you teach your students?
“Growing up as an officer in the Army you learn to understand and trust young soldiers. It is the same with students; never appear to be more than you are. Talk honestly with students and they will surprise you. We as instructors can always learn from students.”
Tell us the story of how you first started teaching at Columbia College.
“I returned from Germany where I taught for University of Maryland Global Campus. I visited the welcome center on Fort Sill and spoke with the great folks at Columbia College on the fifth floor. I filled out an application, dropped off my resume, and the last three years have been great.”
What do you take the most pride in with your teaching at Columbia College?
“Establishing an honest link with the students and watching them grow intellectually. I also take pride in the number of students that take additional history courses with me.”
Why is teaching important to you?
“Next to serving our country in combat, teaching is the most important thing I have ever done.”
Columbia College’s Adjunct Faculty Spotlight series celebrates our talented adjunct faculty members around the country who teach in the Online Program or at one of the college’s nationwide locations. If you would like to recommend an adjunct faculty member for a future spotlight, email Strategic Communications at pr@ccis.edu.
