KyCPA member spotlights continued
college accounting educators
Issue 2
April 22, 2022
3. What qualities/traits do you find that make great college accounting educators?
Beauchamp -A great college accounting educator should be knowledgeable, educated and experienced in the areas of accounting that they are teaching. Equally important is the ability of a college educator to successfully communicate and interact with students of different backgrounds, cultures, and professions. A college educator should promote good ethical behavior in the accounting profession as well as encouraging students to practice good ethics as students and in their everyday life as they interact with others.
Burge - The most important traits of accounting educators are having practical, real-world experience, making a true effort to stay current and being connected with current accounting professionals in all pathways, being humble and willing to learn from students.
Hale - I have noted that the most successful educators have a passion for what they teach. That passion can ignite a spark in students so they can, in turn, develop a similar passion for that topic.
Additionally, when an educator brings experience into the classroom, that is when learning can take place. The topic then jumps off of the page of the textbook and becomes real.
Another important qualification is the ability to make the subject relevant to the student. I once had a student who was seemingly disinterested in our topic of the day. I stopped her to ask, "What do you want to do in life following graduation?" She replied, "I want to open a soul food restaurant." Immediately, I turned the conversation toward the requirements of opening a restaurant, of raising capital, setting a budget, estimating customer count, hiring employees, and so on. When she saw the connection of those topics to her dream, she realized the importance of our studies, and she was hooked on mastering the material...not for the sake of the next exam, but for the attainment of her dream.
Finally, an accounting college educator needs to provide an example of what is possible, even if that student's background doesn't seem to support their pursuit. Make them aware that hard work and study can overcome barriers that might seem overwhelming to them based on their life situation.
Roberts -Successful educators care about the mission of their school. They care about the success of their students.
Siebenthaler - I believe there is no one best type of college accounting educator, thankfully. The profession needs a variety of strengths and perspectives and so does the classroom. However, we need to have a strong belief in the value of the profession and stay relevant with the needs of industry for the benefit of our students.
Stout -Like students, curiosity and a desire to see the profession advance. The ability to take complex topics (whatever they are) and explain them to others. A desire to help students and others advance and become professionals and leaders in business. Communication skills (writing and oral).