This year, Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year was awarded to Professor John McCormack, an instructor in the English Department here at Morton College. The honor is bestowed each year as a result of student nominations, so we sat down with John to talk about his time teaching at our school.
- How long have you been teaching with Morton and what classes have you taught?
This is my second year at Morton. I previously taught at Morton from 2000 to 2002, though.
I have taught English 101, English 088, English 086 and English 084.
- In addition to teaching, you also work in healthcare journalism. Could you tell us a little about that?
I started my career as a journalist many years ago. Initially, I worked as a reporter for local papers such as The Daily Herald. From there, I moved on to reporting and editing positions with healthcare magazines such as Hospitals & Health Networks and Health Data Management. For the past 20-plus years, I have had my own writing/consulting business, where I continue to report for a variety of healthcare publications and also provide “brand” journalism services to healthcare technology companies.
- Why do you continue to teach at Morton semester after semester? What motivates you to return to the classroom?
I feel fortunate because I enjoy my career as a journalist. I also feel lucky because I can entertain myself so easily simply by picking up a book, so it’s really fun to share these passions for writing and reading with students. It’s truly great seeing how much students progress throughout each semester. (And, of course, I get a kick out of seeing them roll their eyes at my dad jokes.)
So, while I like my full-time gig as a writer, teaching is the most gratifying work I have ever done.
- What is your favorite part of being a teacher?
Easiest question ever. The Morton students! Sure, some students don’t come to class every day; some don’t get all their assignments in; and some just struggle with school in general. There are so many reasons for all that. The thing is, though, each and every student I interact with at Morton is polite, personable and kind. And, each and every one of them has so much potential, whether they realize it or not.
Because of these students, I have so much hope. We live in a world that is full of discord and ugliness. When I look out into my classroom every day, though, I don’t see any of that. I just see really, really, really good people.
- Where are you from originally? How long have you lived in Chicago?
I have lived in the Chicago area my entire life. I grew up in the north suburbs; attended Lake Forest College (a school that I routinely champion for my students who are looking to transfer to a four-year college); lived in various neighborhoods in the city during my nomadic single days; and raised my family in the near west suburbs, where I currently live with my 21-year-old daughter while my 26-year-old son lives in Dublin, Ireland.
- What do you like to do for fun?
I am a huge music/performing arts fan. I am especially fond of jazz and classical music – and see as many live performances as I can. The great thing about living in the Chicago area is the easy access to music, much of it free at venues such as Fitzgerald’s, Millenium Park and Epiphany Center for the Arts. And, of course, a fun evening at home is simple: Book, couch, coffee.
- What’s something you’ve read in the last year that you would recommend to the Morton community?
The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller. Literary non-fiction is one of my favorite genres – and this book really delivers. It tells the true story of a deaf high school football team that wins a state championship in California. This book is great because it provides a truly engaging, impossible-to-put-down read. It also offers up so much insight into deaf culture, teamwork and the human condition. It is just so inspiring. Read it!!!
- How does it feel to be selected as Adjunct Instructor of the Year?
This is such an unexpected honor. Sure, I think I am a competent teacher, but I was totally blown away and overcome with emotion when I received this recognition. My goal everyday is to simply help my students become better readers and writers. If I can help them do that, I’m happy. If I can go one step further and help them believe in themselves and chase their dreams, I’m ecstatic. The fact that the Morton community has turned the tables and made me feel so good about myself is just crazy. This, for me, is truly the honor of a lifetime.
Congratulations, Professor McCormack!!