James Zullinger, Professor/Kindergarten teacher

Credibility with college students comes from having expertise in the “real world.” Jim Zullinger has it in spades. Jim teaches kindergarten at the Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School and college students at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Here is his take on teaching at both ends of the spectrum.

“I have the opportunity few professionals have; I work with all the levels of my profession. Starting with kindergarten, I get to influence children at the very start of their educational career. At the college level, I am able to guide and model for students who want to become teachers, and at the university level I participate in decisions and course preparations that shape the very pedagogy of teacher education. It’s like I get to work with all the levels of the food chain.

One especially rewarding aspect has been being able to teach college students at the undergraduate and graduate level who I taught in kindergarten and first grade. I also have been around long enough to teach children of students I taught in first or kindergarten—I guess you might say I span generations. I didn’t realize how old I was getting until one of my kindergartners inquired about my age and with my honest reply he blurted, “gee your older than my pap!” —enough said.

I really see no disadvantages to teaching students at both ends of education. My continued research in early childhood education keeps me fresh and knowledgeable with curriculum and pedagogy when teaching children and my daily teaching of children allows me to provide college students with real life experiences and they can see me practice what I preac. It’s a great job!”

Rumor has it, you’re a potter, true?

Yes, I got interested in pottery when I first came to Ship in 1978. Bill Hynes taught a non-credit mini-course that I took for several years and eventually we have collaborated to establish the Quiet Times Pottery Studio at my home in Amberson, Pa. Together with another Ship graduate, Geoff Schmidt, we hope to offer lessons and opportunities for artists to participate in ceramic retreats.

What other things do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy golf at the very basic level. You might also find me at the Market Cross Pub enjoying an eight ball pool victory over some of my former first-grade students.

Who is your favorite Disney character?

I have always enjoyed Goofy. He wasn’t the brightest guy, but he always enjoyed what he did and managed to survive the most ridiculous situations with his dopey laugh.

What is the most amazing thing you ever saw?

Watching kids watch a boa catch and eat a live mouse in my classroom. Nobody wanted to watch but they all did and were just disgusted and amazed at the same time.

Dog or cats?

They both have their qualities but I prefer to have neither.

What is the best book you ever read?

Most of my reading is light because of the quantity of children’s literature I read daily, so I guess I’d pick James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl.

What sports do you like?

I enjoy watching football, watching and playing golf, watching and playing pool, fishing and hunting.

What sound do you dislike the most?

Crying from separation anxiety, it is so hard to comfort.

What historic event would you have liked to participate in?

The birth of Christ. It was the very start of promoting peace not conflict, my favorite line in kindergarten.

You’re having a dinner party, who would you invite?

Some beautiful woman who thought I was cool too.

You have one superpower, what is it?

The power to adjust my five senses at will.

What’s your favorite word?

Oomegooga—a word my mom used when we pestered her about what’s for dinner? Her reply was Oomegooga. I still use it in kindergarten.