Mark Mitch

Teaching Perspective/Philosophy:

I teach environmental science, general science courses and general education courses.  I have also taught at NEC's campuses in Tel Aviv and Haifa, Israel (Summers 2000-2004). I have found that working at NEC provides opportunities to continually hone my teaching methods to meet the needs of the diverse range of student learners.  My underlying teaching philosophy is grounded in helping students understand the context of concepts to themselves as well as the local, regional, national, and global scales. I am committed to Thomas Jefferson's model of the academic village where education extends beyond classroom walls taking advantage of teachable moments regardless of time and place. There are as many paths to learning as there are students and the transformation of students during their time at New England College is rewarding and enriching.

Outside the Classroom:

As with life, New England College is in a constant process of transition and development. My work also includes helping the College moving towards one of the goals of the school's mission statement of achieving a ecologically sustainable campus. Currently the faculty advisor for the Environmental Action Committee (EAC) , student club, I help students promote awareness of environmental issues, advocate for campus sustainability, and becoming actively engaged in community service projects both on and off campus.

I am member of the Henniker Conservation Commission which has afforded the opportunity to provide NEC students with service learning and internship opportunities with the town of Henniker. Although small and rural, Henniker is a dynamic community with many conservation and environmental issues that students are able to make a valuable contribution.

Research Areas:

Water resources with a focus on catchment hydrology and biogeochemical controls on water quality in lakes, ponds, and streams. Currently, I am working with the French Pond Watershed Association to control the recurrence of harmful agal blooms on French and Keyser Ponds in Henniker.