UTPB faculty members, Clark Moreland and Dr. Jim Olson, recently launched their book "Eighty Steps: Tales on College Teaching." The book shares ideas and concepts to inspire instructors to promote student success in their classrooms.
The idea for the book came during a student success meeting several years ago. Clark Moreland suggested asking faculty for their thoughts and ideas on effective teaching strategies. 
“We were inspired by The Little Orange Book: Short Lessons in Excellent Teaching (UT Press, 2015) created by the University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers. The book offers reflections and tips from faculty who serve at large UT institutions such as those in Austin, Arlington, or El Paso. We wanted to take it a step further and share pieces from our own faculty at UTPB,” said Clark Moreland.
The book includes contributions from the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Education faculty at UTPB. Topics include patience and empathy, student sense of belonging, encouragement, and learning from others.
Thanks to a generous grant, all new full-time faculty received a free copy of the book. Additionally, all sales from the book will be put into a fund so all future faculty will receive a copy. 
“We hope this book serves somewhat of orientation to teaching. We believe that college faculty can become great teachers when given the right support from their community and institution. We also hope that by sharing these teaching tales with faculty at the beginning of their time at UTPB, it will lead to the development of more organic and cross-disciplinary mentoring relationships, not to mention bolstering our faculty retention efforts,” added Clark.
Clark Moreland is Lecturer in English and Founding Director of the Heimmermann Center for Engaged Teaching. He is a third-generation graduate of UTPB and joined the faculty full-time in 2009.
Dr. Jim Olson is Professor in Psychology and a “Founding Faculty” of UTPB. He started at UTPB in 1973 and has since then served in many roles throughout the years including helping with the development of the Counseling Center, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1994-2004, and Director of Faculty Development.
Both Clark and Dr. Olson have received numerous awards and have been recognized for their outstanding dedication to their students and colleagues. This year Clark Moreland will be inducted into the University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers.
Eighty Steps: Tales on College Teaching can be purchased on Amazon.
