Prescott, Arizona – Yavapai College professor of Education, Faculty Senate President, and Phi Theta Kappa faculty advisor Dr. Heather Leavitt has been with the college for only three years, but she’s surprised how much her multiple roles have increased her confidence.
“I’ve always been a shy person, so I am very proud that I’ve been able to confidently step into leadership roles in recent years,” Dr, Leavitt said. “That wasn’t necessarily something I had pictured for myself, but I have been inspired by other leaders around me and have been blessed to be encouraged by colleagues.”
Dr. Leavitt taught K-12 Mathematics and Special Education for about ten years and taught in three states in a mix of public and private schools. She earned her PhD in Teaching and Leadership from the University of North Dakota and also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master Science in Mathematics.
Serving as an adjunct instructor in Phoenix, Dr. Leavitt kept her eye on full-time positions at Arizona colleges. Once accepted at Yavapai College, she moved to Prescott, where her mother was already living.
“Everyone was so welcoming and supportive when I arrived,” Dr. Leavitt said. “The mentor process was very helpful. I feel like I’ve learned so much. The students here are fantastic. They come from such different backgrounds, from dual-enrolled high schoolers to older students who might be on a second or third career. It’s always heartwarming to hear students’ stories about why they want to become teachers.”
Wanting to get more involved with the Yavapai College community, she serves as a faculty advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, an international honors society for community college-level students. Dr. Leavitt said that she works alongside students in the local chapter, Beta Gamma Pi, conducting academic research, doing service projects, and promoting fellowship. Her favorite part of being involved in PTK is seeing growth in students over time as leaders and scholars. She also serves as Yavapai College Faculty Senate President.
“The Faculty Senate ensures that faculty have oversight in academic matters by creating a forum to give faculty a voice,” Dr. Leavitt said. “The Senate also works to ensure that policies regarding faculty members are consistent with the best interests of the faculty and the college. As Faculty Senate President, I serve as faculty’s representative at Yavapai College Council and work closely with college leadership to address faculty concerns.”
Dr. Leavitt is not just teaching students but developing them to fulfill critical roles as teachers. She recognizes that there is a great need for teachers in Arizona and across the country. She said that students can often get a job working in classrooms as an aide while they study to become classroom teachers.
“Dr. Leavitt’s passion and joy for faculty work are infectious,” said Associate Dean for English, Humanities and Social Sciences Michael Moghtader. “She’s the consummate institutional citizen: She models exceptional leadership for Yavapai College Education students and her coworkers in our division. Just as impressive is the impact of her contributions to state- and national-level conversations about quality teacher education in Arizona.”
“We also have the amazing Family Enrichment Center on our campus, where students can complete observations and maybe even find a job,” Dr. Leavitt said. “After they graduate from Yavapai College with their associate’s degree, students can transfer to a university and complete their bachelor’s degree to become a classroom teacher. Teaching is a very rewarding profession; it gives you the opportunity to make an impact on a child’s life. Seeing the fresh passion for teaching in my students helps me keep my own passion for teaching alive.”
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.