Stephen E.

Opalat
2172 Apulia Road
LaFayette, NY 13084
315-677-3937
so10c0446@westpost.net
http://jobfox.com/people/StephenE-Opalat
ONLINE/ON-CAMPUS EDUCATOR
Six (6) years teaching economics and math online
Five (5) years experience teaching on-campus

University of Chicago economist, George Stigler, inspired me to approach teachin

g in a different way. Mr. Stigler states exactly what I DO NOT want my class to
be... "The watered-down encyclopedia which constitutes the present course in be
ginning college economics does not teach the student how to think on economic qu
estions. The brief exposure to each of a vast array of techniques and problems l
eaves with the student no basic economic logic with which to analyze the economi
c questions he will face as a citizen. The student will memorize a few facts, di
agrams, and policy recommendations, and ten years later will be as untutored in
economics as the day he entered the class." Stigler, "Elementary Economic Educ
ation," American Economic Review, 1963

I have learned from my experience as an online instructor the importance of the

students and instructor working together as a team. The lack of classroom intera
ction requires a higher level of verbal and written connection. You must earn th
e trust of your students and ensure their confidence that you are there for them
.
To obtain my credentials as a PGA Teaching Professional and PSIA Certified Level
II Ski Instructor I mastered numerous learning theories and teaching methods. T
he common bond of fear and failure associated with these sports, and the challen
ges of economics and mathematics, provided me the opportunity to truly understan
d the most effective way to share my knowledge, and at the same time, teach my s
tudents how to learn.
Stephen Opalat M.A. Economics
Summary:
Experience is my strongest quality I can add to a Distance Education program. I
have taught over 100 online classes in the last six years. I designed coursework
, selected textbooks, and designed unique assessments to meet course outcomes as
established by the learning institute. I believe online classes require the stu
dent to work harder and learn some valuable skills listed below:
* Self-responsibility
* Student-centered skills
* Time management skills
* Independence
* Confidence
* Research and citation skills
My online experience has added to my teaching skills. These skills will transfer
to an on-campus opportunity as well.
Education, Honors, and Certifications:
M.A. Economics
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Fl. 1984
B.A. Economics
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 1982
Phi Kappa Phi
Elected to honor society 1984
Key Qualifications:
Started teaching at the secondary level in 1983
Have been a distance educator since 2005
Developed microeconomic, macroeconomic, and pre-college math classes for online
delivery.
Created a cyber-classroom model that encourages students to contact instructor v
ia Blackboard messages, emails, or personal phone (if allowed by school policy)

Teach, challenge, and guide

Classes taught:
Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Money and Banking, Global Studies
Numerous math classes not relevant to this position.
Computer Skills:
Software: Microsoft(R) Windows 7; Microsoft(R) Office Professional Plus 2010;
Microsoft(R) Works
Working knowledge of the Internet - specializing in research and how to avoid pl
agiarism
Microsoft(R) Office Live Meeting, Raindance
Other skills required to deliver an excellent online experience

Employment
Full-time Online Instructor - Bryant & Stratton College 5/06-Fall 2010
Adjunct Online Instructor - ITT Institute of Technology 5/05-present
Adjunct Instructor - Bryant & Stratton, Syracuse Campus 6/06-5/07
Adjunct Instructor - ITT Institute of Technology, Liverpool Campus 03/05/05
Adjunct Instructor - Florida Atlantic University 12/84 - 12/87
Cost Analyst - PGM Roofing Company 11/86 - 12/87
Economist - South Florida Water Management District 7/84 -11/86
Planning Analyst - Broward County Office of Planning 5/83 - 7/84
Adjunct Instructor - Palm Beach Junior College 2/83 - 4/84

Professional Affiliations
American Economic Association (AEA)
Professional Golfers Association (PGA)
Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA - retired)