A former student returns to teach in the department she once studied in.
By: Joanna Celia
Once a student graduates from CSI, the assumption is that it will be the last time they will be on campus. But for Gianna Improta, a prior CSI student, a new role has caused her to return to campus only a few years after she earned her degree. Improta has decided to return to the college as a professor.
“It still feels like I’m a student here.” said Improta. “I think it’s because I never left.”
CSI is where Improta’s earlier academic experience in English began and she has decided to continue what she once studied and become a part of the English department. She is now teaching English 111 and 151, courses where students learn the breakdown of analytical writing, critical reading, and research methods.
Improta says her love for writing and creating is what pushed her to want to teach students of upcoming generation. She hopes to inspire her own students the way her past professors had inspired her.
Improta explained that her classroom operates as a space that not only the students learn but the professor as well. Her class teaches students to develop an interest in English through knowing oneself. Her time spent at CSI contributed to her approach to teaching in the classroom.
“I keep the class very student oriented.” said Improta. “The classes I took for Gen-Ed weren’t so student organized and friendly.”
Her teaching method includes having students respond to course material through reflective writing and imitation exercises. In her class, students actively communicate during discussions, while her previous courses as a student at CSI included fewer interactive activities.
Improta is a 24 year old professor. The close age to her students has shaped the classroom experience. Some students respond to her in ways that test her limits and expectations, which she says has contributed to her stricter approach to classroom management.
“I am really open with her and feel comfortable to ask her questions.” said Daniel Zakirov, one of Improta’s English 111 students. “Although she makes everything clear so I really don’t have many questions to ask.”
Improta described Zakirov as engaged in the classroom as he participates in class discussions, completes his work, and has consistent attendance.
Improta also worked as an English tutor in CSI’s SEEK (Percy Ellis Sutton Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge) department before becoming a professor. In this role, she helped students facing academic and financial challenges.
There are two professors who made a difference at Improta’s time as a student at CSI.
Professor Cate Marvin taught Improta for a lot of her college experience and supplied her with support in accomplishing her goals in poetry. Professor Tim Gray helped Improta study earlier poets and learn techniques that she could apply to her own work.
She read James Wright in Professor Gray’s class, where she was introduced to works that became part of her study of poetry and literature. CSI college remains a central part of both Improta’s academic and professional life.
“It built me,” said Improta. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for CSI.”
