We’ve appreciated the enthusiasm you’ve shown for our Staff Spotlight series, and we are delighted to introduce you to our student staff. 

Mike Sebastian is the senior graduate research assistant at the Center for Teaching. You’ll see later that Mike wears many hats and supports a variety of our programming. He also has a significant background in teaching. While in his MFA program, Mike taught sculpture as instructor of record for six semesters at the University of Iowa. He has taught K-12 art classes and volunteers in youth programs as an art teacher. In 2021, he won a POD (Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education) career development grant, a competitive award for graduate students, professional students, or postdocs interested in careers in educational development or as teaching faculty. 

What degree are you pursuing at the University of Iowa? 

I’m currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in School Counseling at the University of Iowa. As a K-12 teacher, I witnessed firsthand the significant impact a supportive school counselor can have on students' lives and their academic success. I am passionate about providing caring, professional, informed support and a safe space for struggling students. 

What are your scholarly areas of interest? 

My scholarly interests include curriculum design for art education, social and emotional child development, and developmental psychology. I have found that my academic focus reflects my passion for fostering growth and learning in diverse educational settings. 

What are your primary responsibilities at the Center for Teaching? 

At the Center for Teaching, my portfolio is vast and varied. My primary responsibilities include supporting Graduate Teaching Assistants (including the New Teaching Assistant Orientation (NTAO) and the Graduate Teaching Fellows), contributing to TILE initiatives, as well as providing graphic design expertise. I also help organize the center’s book club, assist with course design programs, and serve as senior graduate assistant. 

What is your favorite part about working at the Center for Teaching? 

My favorite part of working at the Center for Teaching is getting to be part of an amazing team full of supportive, kind, and brilliant people. 

Tell us about a Center for Teaching project you’re looking forward to this year. 

I’m excited about most projects, but two that stand out are: NTAO and the book club. I am passionate about TA support and the NTAO is such an important and useful starting point for many new TAs. I've been involved in the assessment of NTAO and this orientation has a very measurable and positive impact all over campus. While NTAO is hundreds of people, the book club is smaller, and we meet several times throughout the semester. The focus on one book and the emphasis on sharing thoughts, ideas, and observations makes for a unique experience. 

What is a unique thing you enjoy doing in Iowa City? 

I really enjoy walking in Hickory Hill Park. 

What are your hobbies, interests, or special talents? What do you do for fun? 

I love gardening, planting, and watching things grow. I make sculptural art, and I paint and draw. For fun, I like to go on unscripted road trips and discover new places.