My name is Carl Parran.  I have been an instructor and held management positions for over 19 years.  I presently live in Largo, Florida, and I have lived in Florida for the past 17 years.  Before moving to Florida, I lived in Michigan. I moved down to Florida to get away from the cold, snow and ice.

Presently I teach full time at Keiser University, Sarasota, FL.  I am on the staff at the following colleges and universities as an adjunct professor – St. Petersburg College, South University, and St. Thomas University as well as taught high school for two years. I formerly worked for Sunoco, Inc as a Facility Manager and Meijer, Inc as a Guest Service Lines Team Leader.

I have a M.A in Dogmatic Theology and a M.B.A in Human Resource Management.  I have completed my doctorate (D.M.) in Organization Leadership in 2011 and a doctorate (D.Min.) in Pastoral Leadership in 2013.

When I have the time, I like to go to Busch Gardens Amusement Park, Tampa, FL.  I am close to the Gulf of Mexico, so I try to spend as much time as possible by the water. It is so beautiful to be near the water and watch the sunset in the evenings. I love to run, bicycle ride, gym, swimming, racquetball, reading, roller blading, traveling, amusement parks, movies, theater, and spend time with friends.

I enjoy teaching, and I hope we have the advantage to share and learn from each other. I am looking forward to the spending the next eight weeks with you.  



                                                                      Teaching Philosophy

I believe that each student is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things and all people at any age. 

When the teacher's role is to guide, providing access to information rather than acting as the primary source of information, the students' search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions. For students to construct knowledge, they need the opportunity to discover for themselves and practice skills in authentic situations. Providing students access to hands-on activities and allowing adequate time and space to use materials that reinforce the lesson being studied creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur.

Equally important to self-discovery is having the opportunity to study things that are meaningful and relevant to one's life and interests. Developing a curriculum around student interests fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates the passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction relevant to student interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons and units of study. Given the opportunity for input, students generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer activities than I could have created or imagined myself. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals.

Helping students to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others, and their environment occurs through an open sharing of ideas and a judicious approach to discipline. When the voice of each student is heard, and environment evolves where students feel free to express themselves. Class meetings are one way to encourage such dialogue. I believe students have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel safe and sure of what is expected of them. In setting fair and consistent rules initially and stating the importance of every activity, students are shown respect for their presence and time. In turn they learn to respect themselves, others, and their environment.

Teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of knowledge in my students, as I share my own passion for knowledge with them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong, and dedicated individuals who are excited about working with students. In our competitive society it is important for students to not only receive a solid education, but to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their individual needs. I am such a person and will always strive to be the best educator that I can be.