Faculty Profiles

Emilia P. Zarco

Associate Professor
The School of Health Sciences, Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences

Woodruff Hall 182
516.877.3346
zarco@adelphi.edu

» Download CV

General Information

Diplomas/Degrees

Diplomas/Degrees

M.Ed., Health Education, University of the Philippines (1997)

Doctor of Medicine, West Visayas State University, Philippines (1987)

A.B., Science, West Visayas State University, Philippines (1983)

Personal Statement

Personal Statement

The following lines by Sydney J. Harris reflect my philosophy of teaching:

Knowledge is not enough. Technique is not enough. Mere experience is not enough. This is the mystery at the heart of the teaching process; and the same mystery at the heart of the healing process. Each is an art, more than a science or a skill – and the art at the bottom is the ability to “tune in to the other’s wavelength”.

The truth of these lines has become more apparent to me as a result of my teaching experiences over the past ten years. Having been trained as a physician, I have always approached teaching in the same way that I approached healing. That is, teaching and healing require a great deal of preparation in terms of content and process. Success as a teacher does not just happen – it is more a process of becoming, hence is a commitment to a lifetime of learning.

I believe that an effective teacher or healer should be knowledgeable about the tools and resources of the profession. Teachers should know what to teach, what methods and strategies to use, what resources and materials to utilize and what technological advances are available to enhance teaching. With this knowledge, a teacher should be able to communicate effectively and deliver the message, make assessments and evaluate the process and outcomes of teaching.

I also believe that teaching should be accompanied by research and service in one’s chosen discipline. An effective teacher should keep an inquisitive mind and engage in research projects to advance the knowledge of his or her field. He or she must also be engaged in service to the local and global community. This involvement gives the teacher opportunities to keep abreast of trends and advancements. Moreover, the experiences that a teacher gathers from research and service provide new insights and opportunities to explore new avenues of learning. This way, the teacher is able to sharpen, deepen and enrich his or her current levels of knowledge and skills.

I have also realized that the most powerful aspect of teaching is empowerment. My goal has always been to enable students to harness their unique talents and abilities to learn and live. Fostering empowerment requires more than pure science or skill – it is an art. It requires creativity to motivate. It requires a genuine concern for others to touch a person’s life. It requires passion and courage to make a difference.

I have chosen to engage and grow in the profession of Health Education because I believe that the field offers me the best opportunities for creativity, growth and self-actualization. I do not regret leaving my clinical practice of Anesthesia, because teaching has made me a better parent, wife and person.

Finally, I always start my teaching with this prayer - “Lord, grant me the grace to give the best of myself and to bring out the best in others.”

Links provided to external websites, including personal faculty sites, do not imply an endorsement by Adelphi University of those sites, their content, or associated products and services.