After finding law school wasn't for him, Barry Pyle wasn't
quite sure what to do with his life and turned to teaching
as an occupation. What he found was a fulfilling career
that enabled him to give back what he had been given.
"The thought of teaching was always in the back of my
mind. It was something that I fell back on after law school.
It was a much better fit," said Pyle.
Pyle, an EMU associate professor of political science,
recently received the Ronald W. Collins Distinguished Faculty
Teaching II Award. This award is given to faculty who have
taught at Eastern Michigan University for at least five
years. Pyle received a plaque and a $3,500 honorarium.
 |
CLASSROOM CONTRIBUTOR: Barry Pyle, an
EMU
associate professor of political science, asks
a question
of students during his "Constitutional Law:
Civil Rights
and Liberties" course April 16.
Pyle recently received
the Ronald W. Collins Distinguished
Faculty Teaching II
Award. |
"The award is some indication that I have been able to
give a little back of what I've been given," said Pyle.
Pyle certainly has given back more than a little to students,
faculty and staff at EMU. His nomination packet included
29 letters of support, many from former students. Pyle
takes on many roles, including professor, adviser and mentor.
Pyle's philosophy on teaching is simple. He said he tries
to stay personally engaged with the students and tries
to never let up in the classroom. However, teachable moments
do not only happen in the classroom. Pyle makes himself
available to students in his office, by phone and through
e-mail. He believes those are the places some of the best
teaching experiences occur.
"Making those human connections in the classroom and having
the students be personally invested with me and the material," are
two important aspects of his philosophy, said Pyle, who
received both his doctorate and master's degree in political
science from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He received
his bachelor's degree in political science and history
from Indiana University.
Pyle said that teaching needs to be hands-on. This is
evident in two of the courses he created: the mock trial
course and the U.S. Supreme Court simulation course.
The U.S. Supreme Court simulation course consists of 18
of the "best students." Students take on the role of either
justices or litigants for half the semester and then switch
roles. The course helps to improve students' legal research
and advocacy skills.
"They basically simulate the U.S. Supreme Court for a
semester," said Pyle. "They are interpreting the Constitution
and it forces them to think on their feet."
"Not only does Dr. Pyle step outside the box in his teaching
style, he encourages students to do so by creating unique,
interactive classes. I can honestly say that his Supreme
Court simulation and mock trial classes challenged
me to get involved in the process in ways that even my
later law school classes never would," said Megan Lindsey,
a former student, in a letter supporting Pyle's nomination.
Pyle created the University's Mock Trial team eight years
ago and now, with the help of Mark Maironis, the team is
both successful and well-known.
"He (Pyle) has nurtured the Mock Trial teams over the
years with the result that they have evolved from noncompetitive
teams to some of the strongest teams in the Midwest," said
Maironis, a lecturer of political science.
"This year, our team either won the tournament or tied
for first in all three major tournaments. These were all
national tournaments," said Pyle.
Pyle said that participating on the Mock Trial team gives
the students an opportunity to show what they know and
surprise a lot of people who have never heard of Eastern
Michigan University. The team competes against and defeats
Ivy League and Big Ten universities. The competitions are
often times grueling, with the students participating in
six hours of intense competition a day for two days.
"I drive the van," Pyle said, joking about his role with
the Mock Trial team. "I've been very lucky to work with
some incredible students ... Part of my job is to keep the
students light and focused on the task at hand."
Pyle's main research interest is doctrinal development.
He also works with Elaine Martin, a professor of political
science, on the influence of gender in judicial decision-making,
controlling for partisanship and other biological factors
such as race.
"I research so I can keep teaching and the research adds
a lot to the courses," said Pyle.
Pyle has been a mentor for many students, whether it be
in an academic or personal context. Pyle said he tries
to stay focused, stay interested and be available
for the students. He believes it is his greatest accomplishment.
"Dr. Pyle has dedicated his career to his students and
to his students' success. He pushes his students and mentees
to have a voice in their education and their futures, and
to embrace each path they embark upon. Dr. Pyle's help
and support (go) above and beyond his students' expectations," former
student Jessica Beerbower said in a letter of support.
"It's not something I tried to do. It's just something
that happened," Pyle said of his role as a mentor. "I attempt
to set a good example and teach people to laugh at themselves."
