Beyond Content: A Coach in the Classroom

In the evolving landscape of community college education, professors are increasingly stepping into dual roles—not only as experts imparting knowledge but also as mentors, guiding students toward professional success. This shift reflects a growing understanding that community college students, often from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds, need more than academic instruction; many require personalized guidance, encouragement, and skill-building to navigate their educational journey and professional development. Over my five years at my community college, I not only see my role as a content expert but also as a professional coach, helping students shape their futures with practical skills and confidence.

Community colleges are unique environments where students seek education and often a pathway to immediate employment or transfer to a four-year institution. With this comes a responsibility to develop both academic knowledge and the professional competencies critical for success in the workplace. As a community college professor, I must support the whole student. The more I interact with students, the more I realize that focusing solely on content limits their impact. With this generation I must also prioritize developing students' soft skills, helping them cultivate the adaptability, communication, and problem-solving abilities essential in today’s workforce. This bridges the gap between academia and career readiness, equipping my students for real-world challenges.

I also invest time in building confidence and resilience. Building students' confidence and resilience is a core part of my practice as a professor. Many community college students face significant personal and financial challenges, and professors often serve as a primary source of encouragement and stability. I believe that when professors inspire students to push past self-doubt and embrace a growth mindset, magic occurs both in and outside of the classroom.

In today’s rapidly changing job market, the skills required of professionals are evolving quickly. I believe it’s part of my responsibility to model and encourage my students to foster a lifelong learning mindset. Using the influence professors possess, we can instill an attitude of lifelong learning and adaptability in their students by encouraging them to continue growing and seeking knowledge even after they leave college, ensuring they are equipped to navigate changes in their careers.

When I began this journey in 2019, I only saw my role as a knowledge provider. I believe my responsibility has expanded from teaching content to coaching. As I embrace the dual role of educator and coach, I use this holistic approach to teaching to set students up for long-term success in a competitive world. Not to mention, maybe having a lasting impact on students’ lives, helping them not only succeed in their academic pursuits but also thrive in their professional and personal journeys.

Keith Wolaridge, aka “Professor Dub,” considers himself a Professorprenuer.  As owner of Five Pillars & Associates, a leadership online academy.  Keith is passionate about fostering growth, leadership, and transformative change in individuals and organizations alike. With over 15 years of experience as a school board member and extensive involvement on multiple community boards, he has dedicated his career to serving and uplifting my community through education and strategic development.

As an author of two books, Five Pillars and Decisions from the Dias, and a contributor in, The Alchemy of Teaching, Keith draws from years of hands-on experience and professional expertise to share insights that empower readers and guide aspiring leaders on their professional journeys.