Wayne Imber agrees with the belief that teaching is a noble profession. Honing young minds and helping kids discover—and reach—their full potential are rewards of the profession that are worth more than any monetary remuneration. Teaching too, is a huge responsibility because teachers play a role in shaping their students’ future. But for all the responsibilities that it entails, and all the ups and downs that go along with it, Wayne wouldn’t trade this profession for any other. Teaching is his life.
For the last 30 years, Wayne Imber taught Social Psychology and Developmental Psychology to undergraduate and graduate students. While he enjoyed his time teaching college and graduate students, he admits that he had a more enjoyable time teaching graduate courses because students here are more curious and inquisitive, and they go the extra mile to further their education through their own efforts and initiatives. Seeing his graduate students share the same passion he has for Social Psychology fires him up even more to be better at his job—to be the best teacher that his students will ever have. And for the last 30 years, he was that and more—teacher, mentor, and friend. Retirement hasn’t stopped him from teaching either. He is in constant communication with his former students, and he finds joy and delight in the exchanges that they make; talking about life and how the lessons they learned in school have helped them be better at their jobs and relationships.
To him, teaching and learning are lifelong pursuits, and you don’t have to be in a classroom setup to be able to do both. Life is your university.
Speaking Engagements
Now that he’s retired, Wayne Imber has more time now to accept speaking invitations. When in the past, he has had to turn down quite a few invitations, much to his dismay; retirement has allowed him to be more active on the podium. Having spent a good part of his teaching career in the states of Arizona, Chicago, and Massachusetts, most of his speaking invitations come from former colleagues from these three states. He has also been invited several times by the universities he was once affiliated with.
Inmates are his favorite audience, because he believes that they have more to gain from his knowledge and experience than any other group. Back in college, he used to help rehabilitate individuals who have been released from prison—to help them get ready to re-join society, and start over. Apart from his years teaching at universities, helping former prisoners re-enter society is one of the most fulfilling jobs he has had.
He has made a promise to himself to spend his retirement years helping inmates re-gain their foothold and go back into society with as much ease as possible. They, like everyone else, deserve a second chance.
Wayne Imber will share more of his teaching and public speaking experiences in the coming days. He invites you to check back again to read his updates.
For questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact him at your convenience through this site.