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Instructor Spotlight: Kate D'Auria
Meet Kate D'Auria, Professional Development Instructor
Kate D’Auria has dedicated her entire career to learning—and to helping others learn. Her path began as a volunteer in a homeless shelter, working with school-age children, before transitioning into corporate training, where she developed new and experienced employees in sales and service skills. After earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania, Kate taught in public schools before moving to Bucks County and pursuing a career in higher education, preparing the next generation of educators. At Bucks County Community College, she also led the Faculty Learning Communities, guiding faculty in implementing research-based teaching and learning strategies.
A Q&A with Kate D'Auria
How long have you been an instructor with Bucks County Community College?
20 years
20 years
What has been the most rewarding aspect of teaching with Corporate College & Customized Training?
I strive to engage learners: I want to get them moving and connecting with the content and their peers in an active way. Participants are sometimes surprised that they bring a lot of expertise to the conversation and enjoy this engaged approach to learning.
I strive to engage learners: I want to get them moving and connecting with the content and their peers in an active way. Participants are sometimes surprised that they bring a lot of expertise to the conversation and enjoy this engaged approach to learning.
What made you want to become an instructor?
It takes a lot of work to prepare for training that is rich in content and delivered in an effective way, so learners leave with new knowledge and skills. I find this work challenging and rewarding; I must build trust, get students to invest effort and participate in an authentic way. This is not easy and when it all comes together it is very rewarding.
It takes a lot of work to prepare for training that is rich in content and delivered in an effective way, so learners leave with new knowledge and skills. I find this work challenging and rewarding; I must build trust, get students to invest effort and participate in an authentic way. This is not easy and when it all comes together it is very rewarding.
If you could share one piece of advice with businesses and their employees to maximize their training experience, what would it be?
“Training” that happens with a learner sitting in front of a screen, listening to someone read slides, and taking a quiz is not the kind of experience that results in deep knowledge or high-level skills. Engaged, effortful learning that results in deep and lasting knowledge and skill takes more investment on both sides trainer and learner).
“Training” that happens with a learner sitting in front of a screen, listening to someone read slides, and taking a quiz is not the kind of experience that results in deep knowledge or high-level skills. Engaged, effortful learning that results in deep and lasting knowledge and skill takes more investment on both sides trainer and learner).
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I love to read and otherwise I am outside, hiking with my dog, or out on a bike or kayaking.
I love to read and otherwise I am outside, hiking with my dog, or out on a bike or kayaking.