Alumni Career Snapshots

Karen-Marie Yust

Employer Name  

Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education

Employer  Website

www.union-psce.edu

Job Title  

Associate Professor of Christian Education

Additional education

Brite Divinity School, M.Div., 1987; Harvard University, Th.D., 1996

Briefly describe what you do   

Seminary professor teaching master's and doctoral level students, as well as clergywoman and international speaker and consultant on children's spirituality. Author of several books and articles.

What other jobs have you had?

Asst. Prof., Christian Theological Seminary Research Asst. Prof. of Theology, Boston University Pastor, Second Congregational Church (Winchester, MA)

What are the key skills, abilities, and personal qualities necessary to succeed in this type of work?  

 

Ability to teach complex subjects with enthusiasm and using experiential learning methodologies. Knowledge of educational technologies. Good listening skills. Strong writing ability, with a gift for translating difficult ideas into accessible and practical language. Good listening skills. Ability to center oneself and focus on another's ideas and needs without losing one's own identity. Qualitative research skills.

What do you enjoy most about your current position?  

 

Collegial relationships that nurture and challenge me to develop my work to its fullest potential. Students who work side-by-side with me on research projects and who "test" classroom ideas in "real life" contexts. Opportunities to write for popular and scholarly audiences. Solitude for reading, writing and thinking. Summers "off" to pursue research and writing interests. International conferences that stretch my learning.

Most important/valuable lesson or activity in college that impacted your career  

 

Participating in colloquia sponsored by the religious studies department, where faculty and students discussed theology and philosophy beyond the confines of classroom discussions, and being encouraged by professors to present my own work at regional scholarly conferences.

What advice for someone entering this field?

 

Hone your critical thinking and writing skills while thinking always about how to translate difficult concepts into everyday English. Learn to value careful listening as much as a good verbal presentation. Cultivate interdisciplinary interests; your particular work will be enhanced by your exploration of cutting-edge thinking in other fields.

Questions?

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