Introduction

The LTCC faculty are united in many respects. We are all members of the LTCC Academic Senate (covering academic and professional matters) and all a part of the LTCC Faculty Association (the group, CTA/CCA, that represents us in workplace matters like salary, benefits, and working conditions). Throughout this LTCC Teaching and Learning Onboarding Experience, we will emphasize the many ways in which are all connected as fellow faculty members. At the same time, we do need to acknowledge some differences in our experiences, especially as these may relate to our onboarding efforts here at LTCC.

Some of the differences that we should acknowledge in our faculty experiences at LTCC include: 

• The discipline in which we teach. We may teach in mathematics, political science, or in many other academic disciplines at the College. We might also occupy a faculty position in Counseling, Library Sciences, Distance Education, or other areas in which are primary duties are outside the classroom. 
• The status of our employment. Some of our faculty teach full-time in the District, while others (a majority) teach part-time. Many of our LTCC full-time faculty once taught in a part-time capacity.
• The experience that we have. Some of our current faculty have taught at the College for 10, 20, or even 30 years, while other faculty are just starting their teaching journey.
• The unique personality and backgrounds that we exhibit. We all have our quirks and unique differences. Some of us drink our coffee black, some with milk, even others don’t dink coffee. We all bring unique experiences and backgrounds to our faculty positions.
• The modality in which we teach or work. Some of us teach face-to-face classes, others distance education or in the incarcerated student program. The modality of our work can really impact the approaches that we take to our craft. 
• The pedagogical styles that we use. How we approach our craft differs with the pedagogical styles that we appreciate and use. If we do not teach in the classroom, the approaches that we take to counseling or working with others also differ from one faculty member to the next. 

Whatever your experiences, we hope that you will reach out to your fellow faculty members for advice on your journey at Lake Tahoe Community College.