Karina Gonzalez
Steve MushaNew Learning Center Teacher-Curt Riesberg2-2-2-2
At home, Curt Riesberg leads a quiet, personal life. He lives with two cats, and he likes to spend his free time writing, fishing and traveling.
At Pierce College, however, he is the new full-time Learning Center teacher since last spring where Riesberg, not only teaches reading and writing classes, but he also works with the tutors there as well. In addition, he speaks about The Learning Center in other classes, so that he can expand its relationship with other departments.
“He’s young and enthusiastic,” Miriam Gottlieb said. Gottlieb, who teaches special education at Pierce, was part of the committee which hired Curt. She said Curt brings lots of knowledge and experience to the position.
Riesberg, who is 45 years old, has a master’s degree in teaching from Kent State in Ohio and a master’s degree in writing from USC. Additionally, he was a triple major at the University of Minnesota, receiving a bachelor’s degree in English, French and philosophy.
Prior to coming to Pierce, Riesberg has taught at the Learning Center in other colleges such as USC, Pasadena City College and Imperial Valley College near El Centro, Calif. Compared to The Learning Center at other colleges, he said Pierce, in terms of nationalities, is more diverse
“He’s happy to work with all types of students,” Gottlieb said, referring to Riesberg’swillingness to work with the different learning problems of each student.
Gottlieb is also excited about Riesberg’s desire to be part of the Pierce College community. She said that he wants to reach out, move forward and be a leader of programs at Pierce.
Riesberg’s desire for teaching started as a child, but it was after he got older that he began teaching junior high students and then, he taught at the community college level.
He said that the greatest rewards of teaching are making reading more fun for the students. Some of them even take up reading as a hobby. He also said that learning English in this class helps them to do better in other classes.
“Yeah, he knows what he’s teaching,” said Erica Petrotta, a sophomore at Pierce.She is currently taking a learning skills class with Riesberg. She said that Riesberg is good with students and expects them to do their work.
Occasionally, Riesberg has students he roots for that don’t show up.
“It comes with the job,” Riesberg said.
When asked what inspires him to be a better teacher, he said, “I’m constantly trying to improve what I’m doing.” -30-