Conrad Named Adjunct Instructor of the Year by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Harford Community College

Pictured, L to R: (front) Jamie Colopietro, Kim Shedleski. (Rear): Eric Conrad, CETL Adjunct of the Year 2026 winner; Bill Montgomery.

Eric Conrad was recently named the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning’s (CETL) Adjunct of the Year. The CETL Adjunct of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievements by the part-time instructor who exemplifies the highest quality of teaching and mentorship of students at Harford Community College. Its purpose is to promote excellence in teaching at Harford.

Conrad is one of the longest-serving and most valued adjunct faculty members in the Arts + Design department of Harford’s Art and Humanities Division. He is celebrated for his collaborative spirit and innovative approaches to both classroom teaching and professional development. Conrad fosters a dynamic, student-centered learning environment that inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on engagement, making a lasting impact on his students’ academic and professional growth.

Jamie Colopietro (Behavioral and Social Sciences), Kim Shedleski (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and Bill Montgomery (Business and Applied Technology) were also nominated.

Jamie Colopietro is an excellent teacher in subject areas that are often controversial in current society. She looks for ways to present material that removes the politicized narrative surrounding race, class and gender so that students are still learning and discussing these key ideas. Her most recent teaching evaluation stated, “The lecture referenced previous discussions of social media, capitalism, and aspects of social inequality in a way that was relevant and appropriate to the lesson. Instructor asked for student examples and thoughts in both whole group and cohort discussions, then responded to the answers given to tie the student input into course material.” Jamie has a great deal of enthusiasm for her subject matter.

Kim Shedleski is an exemplary faculty member, providing high quality instruction to Harford’s highest at-risk students. She routinely integrates best practices of Universal Design of Learning along with active learning strategies to ensure that students can grasp material. She also employs real-world examples to relate mathematical concepts to students. Additionally, Kim routinely spends time before and after class with students to review concepts and resolve misconceptions.

Bill Montgomery exemplifies excellence in teaching through his ability to create engaging, relevant, and student-centered learning experiences in both his Introduction to Business and Principles of Marketing classes. He consistently brings course content to life by connecting theory to practice, most notably through his integration of external professionals who speak to and mentor his students. These experiences not only stimulate student interest but also provide meaningful insight into career pathways, fostering both intellectual curiosity and professional growth. Bill’s commitment to pedagogical innovation is evident in his collaborative approach to instruction. He works closely with full-time faculty to ensure alignment by coordinating projects and classroom activities. His willingness to continuously refine his teaching practices reflects a deep commitment to student success and instructional excellence.

Established by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in 2022, the CETL Adjunct of the Year Award seeks to recognize outstanding part-time instructors. The winner receives a $1,000 stipend while the other nominees receive $250 each.