Championing Student Success: Meet Professor Tina Schindler
It’s not everyday you find a professor who not only embraces student inclusivity, but makes it a core part of their identity as an instructor. Yet that’s exactly what makes Tina Schindler, Associate Professor of Law, exceptional. Recently honored as Faculty of the Year at Western State College of Law, Schindler is celebrated for her exceptional ability to adapt her curriculum to meet the diverse needs of every student who enters her classroom. This commitment to enhancing the student experience is reflected in her innovative teaching philosophy, which creates an inviting environment for all learners.
“I really like helping my students,” she states. “I enjoy putting materials together in a coherent and organized manner to make things user-friendly for them in the classroom.”
It’s this student-centered approach that is a key factor behind her recent honor. While one might assume that her passion for championing students naturally guided her to a career in teaching, the reality is quite surprising. Her journey into education unfolded in an unexpected way.
A Surprising Journey to the Classroom
Before stepping into the classroom, Professor Schindler had already established an impressive track record in the field of law. She designed academic and bar exam support programs, created innovative curricula, and directed both bar preparation and pre-admission law school initiatives. However, her transition to becoming a professor was a surprising turn in her career.
Reflecting on her teaching start, she notes, “My old school was struggling with the bar exam, and they reached out to a few of us to help the students get back on track. It wasn’t something I had envisioned, but I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Since that pivotal moment, Schindler has fully embraced the classroom, achieving remarkable success throughout her tenure. Her innovative curriculum has led to increased bar passage rates at every institution she has been part of.
But this success hasn’t come without its challenges, especially in this digital age we live in. As attention spans dwindle, Schindler must continually find new ways to maintain her students’ focus among the myriad of distractions vying for their attention. She emphasizes the importance of keeping things fresh: “I provide students with outlines, crossword puzzles, flow charts, bingo games, Jeopardy games, and more.” I try to make sure there’s something for every type of learner. I even give students a bit of time to check football scores so they can focus afterwards without distractions.”
Fostering Community Beyond the Classroom
Western State is an institution that empowers professors with the freedom to shape their teaching methods to their liking. Professor Schindler deeply values this flexibility, believing it is essential for any instructor’s success. But Schindler is not just a professor confined to the classroom; she actively engages in the broader campus community. She participates in various clubs and is dedicated to supporting her students in multiple aspects of their lives, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for all.
“I support all students and probably have a sweatshirt for every club imaginable,” she laughs. “I encourage students to announce the clubs they’re involved in, so they can have the opportunity to speak freely and raise awareness about their interests.”
Her enthusiasm for students illustrates Schindler’s belief that Western State is not just about having an exceptional student body; a strong and dedicated faculty is equally crucial to the university’s success. She encourages prospective faculty members to consider Western State as a promising place to build their careers and her advice to them is simple:
“Get to know your students and their habits beyond the classroom. Gauge their needs and be open to criticism; it’s easy to blame others, but everyone — both students and professors — needs to reflect on their own actions to improve. The first year is a learning curve, and it’s okay to admit when something doesn’t work. You’ll only get better once you acknowledge that.”
Balancing Acts: Family Life and Professional Passion
Schindler’s primary goal is to continue supporting her students in their academic journeys while maintaining a strong family life. As a devoted mother of two, she cherishes the moments spent with her children — one of whom just graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), while the other is pursuing engineering at Texas A&M – even though they seem to be growing up far too quickly in her eyes.
To stay mentally sharp for her lectures, Schindler incorporates regular exercise into her routine to stay in tip-top shape for life in the classroom. She also enjoys taking her kids to their sports matches whenever they have a game.
Celebrating Excellence: A Tribute to a True Educator
As Faculty of the Year, Schindler joins a devoted group of educators who have shown excellence in teaching and service to their students. Her achievement emphasizes the Western State’s commitment to recognizing educators who go above and beyond their normal scope to create a unique learning environment for their students.
It’s her natural passion for helping students that has been the driving force behind her successful career and recent honor.
Please join us in celebrating Tina Schindler’s outstanding achievement and her remarkable contribution to the broader Western State College of Law community! Congratulations, Professor!