Fred Koch
Professor and Program Director: Social Work
Hands-on practice in social work
Social Work Program Director Fred Koch takes his teaching to heart. "One of the fundamental values of social work is to create a collaborative partnership between social workers and the people with whom they interact" he says. "I use this same approach in the courses I teach. A successful year of teaching for me is when I take away as much learning from my students as I am able to offer them. This keeps me connected to them as individual learners. It also validates their strengths and life exposures as meaningful elements of what they have to offer others in the classroom."
It is this individualized connection with students that makes Champlain's Social Work program distinctive. "I develop a teaching and learning environment that is safe and supportive, yet also challenging. Students learn to move outside their comfort zones in this atmosphere, and lots of learning subsequently takes place. Add to this the fact that Champlain's Social Work faculty members are working professionals who bring their varied experiences to the classroom, and the learning environment becomes even more active.
"The social work program is small enough at Champlain College that I get to know every student who is enrolled in it," Fred says. "I watch my students grow from anxious and excited freshmen to capable young women and men about to enter the work world or go on to graduate education. So much growth and development is packed into these four years!"
Students complete their first internship during their sophomore year. "This agency experience gives them up-front exposure to various fields of social work practice," Fred says, "and helps them apply what they are learning early on in their education."
Fred stresses the value of the practical application of classroom knowledge. "I want students to be able to apply in various situations and with a variety of people the classroom knowledge they have learned about social services. This includes a clear understanding of the professional values and ethics of the field. In the helping professions, we often work with oppressed and distraught people who by their very situations are vulnerable to the potential indiscretions and manipulations of others. I want my students to fully incorporate into their identities integrity of character, genuineness, respect for others' uniqueness and sincere concern and compassion for the well being and social functioning of others."
A Rock the Vote poster created by a graphics design student.