Chris Fulton

Chris Fulton's passion for teaching is rooted in personal experiences, notably his mother’s journey as an adult learner. Chris recalls accompanying his mother to classes due to childcare challenges, witnessing her determination to earn multiple degrees as a single parent. These early experiences gave him a profound understanding of the challenges and resilience that adult learners bring to the classroom. This empathy drives his commitment to supporting students who, like his mother, return to school with a strong sense of purpose.

"As a single parent it often meant attending school along with her due to lack of childcare. During those times of attendance, I experienced her determination to succeed. I also witnessed the difficult moments she experienced when completing her programs. My observance of those experiences allows me to appreciate and sympathize with adult learners who I encounter in the classroom."

Upon joining SCPS in the summer of 2021, Chris was inspired by the stories of current and former students who spoke highly of their experiences. This positive feedback motivated him to uphold and further the tradition of providing exceptional student experiences. His interactions with students have made him more reflective about his teaching practices, ensuring that he contributes positively to the students' academic journeys.

Chris is deeply moved by the resilience of his students, who often overcome significant personal challenges while pursuing their degrees. From students battling serious health issues to those juggling demanding jobs, their perseverance fuels Chris’s dedication to his work. He strives to connect course material to real-world applications, encouraging students to work on projects that have a tangible impact.

For instance, in his CPST 242 Design for the Web course, students create web projects that can be used in real business ventures or to support local organizations. By integrating community engagement into his teaching, Chris helps students develop practical skills while also contributing to the advancement of community initiatives.

To those outside SCPS, Chris wants them to know that the students are resilient, determined, and a joy to teach. Having taught in various institutional settings, he finds working with adult learners at SCPS to be particularly rewarding. These students return to school with a clear sense of purpose, driven by personal and professional goals. Even when faced with challenges, their dedication to learning is evident in the quality of their work and their engagement in the classroom.

"As I continue to learn more about our students, I discover there are several reasons that draw them back to school. When I dig deeper into the reasons students attend school, it often reveals that it is steeped in purpose." 

For Chris, being part of their journey is both a privilege and a source of inspiration, reminding him daily of the impact education can have on individuals and communities alike.