Claire Sparklin

Artist, Athlete, Brainstormer, Care taker, Connector, Designer, Educator/Teacher, Idea generator, Parent, Performer, Photographer, Project manager, Promoter, Student, Technologist, World traveler, Writer/Editor

Claire Sparklin began her educational career as an Instructional Designer creating online learning for Ford and automotive supplier Visteon. Transitioning to college instruction in 2001, she integrated her passion for technology, innovation and engagement into the Communication classroom. Using a blend of gamification, active learning and reflection to connect theory to experience, Claire designs curriculum for both on-campus, online and blended classes at Washtenaw Community College. Claire employs experiential learning for real-world Communication solutions in her classes to build her students' resumes and college transfer applications. Claire is committed to using Open Educational Resources (FREE TEXTBOOKS!) in all her online and on-campus classes. She has compiled her own textbooks and interactive teaching ancillaries when none were available in her subject. After completing course review certification for Quality Matters, Claire served her campus and as a national online and blended course reviewer. She is currently Chair of the Online Faculty Committee at WCC. Always looking forward to the next meaningful adventure, Claire is currently facilitating professional experiences for her students through the Human Library, Conversation Clubs for ESL students, intercultural training for healthcare workers, and creating Instagram campaigns for Personal Counseling. These experiences provide equity and inclusion for community college students who need it most! These students qualified for new jobs and higher pay, got college scholarships, and transferred to selective 4-year institutions thanks to their talent and dedicated work!

empowering others.

Amplify joy and compassion!

My student S. came to my office one day and said she wanted to put on the first TEDx at our school. She was so passionate about the importance of bringing together our community that I knew I needed to support her in her vision. We planned, worked, promoted, worked, and worked. When the night of TEDxWCC arrived, it was transformative. Our community really came together. Presenters' ideas touched the audience and strangers stayed to talk together for hours after. I knew TEDx had a home on our campus from that night on. Thank you for giving us a platform to share great ideas!

Creating the most convincing fake sneeze... EVER. Yeah, really.