Throughout her career, Professor Christina Stansell-Weaver has meaningfully reached her students, sparking confidence in public speaking and essential communications skills. With extensive teaching experience and a distinct dedication to student’s growth, Stansell-Weaver has found great success at Schoolcraft.
Stansell-Weaver began her career as a freelance business writer. When she decided to become an educator, she set out to “broaden her horizons”, accumulating as much teaching background as she could. During the summer, she has taught international students from Dubai and Haiti. Stansell-Weaver was also given the opportunity to teach an interpersonal class within the South-Eastern Michigan prison system.
She had great appreciation that each student truly wanted to be there. Stansell-Weaver describes it as one of the most enriching and rewarding moments of her career. In the short time she had with each class, she gained much insight from the experience.
As a communication’s professor, Stansell-Weaver believes that anyone can become a competent and impactful speaker. She emphasizes that effective communication plays a role in almost all aspects of life; from school and job interviews to personal relationships and health.
In her classes, Stansell-Weaver believes in the importance of creating a “safe space” for students.
“I really try to have students recognize that it is a classroom, nobody wants to see you fail. I hope that by creating an environment like that, students recognize that they are safe, and that they can open up and share ideas. It is all a part of learning in the classroom” said Stansell-Weaver.
Another way she builds students speaking skills and inner confidence is through personal stories.
By connecting a story to the speech, it is both relatable to the audience and easier for the speaker to share. Even if nervous, Stansell-Weaver explains that it gives students at least one comfortable moment in their speech.
As a Schoolcraft alumni, the Stansell-Weaver has always had a special place in her heart for Schoolcraft.
“I love being a part of this community…from the faculty to the students, I think community college can be such a great fit for so many students” comments Stansell-Weaver.
This sentiment is visible through her active participation in campus life. One of her most important roles is as Faculty Lead for STEAM at Schoolcraft. STEAM investigates the intersection of arts, humanities and sciences, uplifting Schoolcraft’s newest generation of students. Students have the opportunity to participate in an academic research conference, the program’s culminating event. This year, the event took place on March 21.
Outside of Schoolcraft, Stansell-Weaver loves to spend time with her family. In her freetime, she enjoys watching her children play sports, reading, cooking, hiking and relaxing at the beach.
Overall, Stansell-Weaver is dedicated to enriching the lives of her students through communications and is deeply involved in campus life. Her journey as an educator has allowed her to be an invaluable resource to students. As she propels this knowledge forward, she helps those who take her classes build confidence and the skills necessary for effective public speaking.
Currently, Stansell-Weaver teaches Fundamentals of Speech (COMA 103), Introduction to Communications Studies(COMA 105) and Intercultural Communication(COMA 240). In the fall, she is offering a new class; Introduction to Public Relations.
