Meet Pauline Waathiq, A Distinguished Educator

Pauline "Polly" Waathiq began her exemplary career at De Anza College in 1974 when she became an instructor in the Educational Diagnostic Center. In 1989, she assumed the duties of executive head, thereby expanding her service to include roles as both instructor and coordinator.

"Polly is a kind, generous, and patient educator who possesses excellent communication skills. She understands and practices individualized instruction and easily establishes rapport with students," said Vice President of Instruction Judy Miner. "Polly responds to the range of needs represented in the population served by EDC and is noted for her willingness to devote extra time to assist students and colleagues."

Polly began undergraduate school as an English major, but changed to speech pathology after talking to a fellow student. "I didn't really want to lecture," she said," but that was the only choice back then. I loved the field, but it was lonely." One of her favorite instructors was Marshall Flamm. "From him I learned about my own learning style. He taught anatomy and physiology, and illustrated anatomical relationships by moving classroom furniture, people, objects, and himself. He used, humor, dynamism and metaphor. He cared that we learned!"

Polly spent six years as a speech pathologist (with a master's in reading and language arts) and then explored being a learning specialist. "The field of learning disabilities was brand new in post-secondary education," she said. "I've participated in the development of what is now pretty much standard practice in higher education. I support general instructors at the college as well as students. Support service is my calling."

Benita Rashall, executive head of De Anza's Disability Support Services, said Polly's ability to relate to students is a De Anza model. "She truly respects the individual worth of students and demonstrates it in her work and her personal manner. She is professional and warm and so competent I think she is probably the single strongest, all around expert on disability in the district," Benita said. "Her 'prejudice' or 'bias' is a deeply held core value of belief in human potential even when it lies hidden under educational disadvantage, disability, life difficulties, or learning differences. And that belief informs her effort to reach in and do the work with the individual to free that potential so it can soar. Polly knows a great deal both theoretically and practically about how people learn and develop, and in directing the EDC program De Anza has one of the best examples of retention approaches I can imagine."

Janet Takahashi, an EDC instructor, appreciates Polly's patience and understanding when dealing with students. "Many of her past students stay in touch with her, and recently one of them e-mailed her to tell her that she had completed her B.A. from San Jose State University. She said with De Anza classes and Polly's advice, she had also started to paint and had two pieces commissioned by local groups," Janet shared.

"My work is primarily one-to-one or small groups," Polly said. "I quickly assess how people process information and of course seek to establish rapport. In groups, material needs to be presented in much different formats – leaving opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge in a variety of modes. I've done workshops on Universal Design, which builds in numerous ways to access course information and demonstrate skills or knowledge into the course design, reducing the need for accommodation and increasing success for a wider variety of learning styles."

Polly's greatest joy in teaching is seeing her students light up when they discover passions, solve problems, and meet their goals. "A true joy is collaborating with colleagues from different areas on projects that make a difference," she said.

Colleague Suzanne Chan said Polly has encouraged her to remain true to the students because when they are successful, faculty and staff and ultimately De Anza College are successful. "There are also cycles in our business of education, and if we stay committed to our work we can and will weather and survive the bad times," Suzanne said. "Polly also has encouraged me not only to look at how we have always conducted business but to look at new, alternative and perhaps more efficient ways. Paying homage to history is OK, but developing new strategies can be challenging and invigorating. Collaborating with others may demand more upfront work, but collaboration can yield wonderful results."

Some years ago, Polly made a most memorable remark as she reflected upon the annual EDC spring luncheon that celebrates the program's graduates: "Each year…the number of students who have used our services and met their goals increases. That means we're closer than ever to the ideal of not really needing 'Special Education' but having all students' special needs met within the regular institutional setting."

Judy said, "Her actions as well as her words continually remind us that if we are truly committed to diversity and student equity, understanding of and responsiveness to the educational needs of disabled students will be evident in our college mission, goals, and objectives. Polly has been and always will be an inspiration to her students and those privileged to work with her."

Polly chose "Lucky" by Alice Sebold as her award from Judy's stash of autographed books.

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