The name of Tech’s latest book club, The Grapes of Wrath, is more than just literary — it’s literal.  

“Participants are encouraged to share teaching experiences, whether excellent or wrathful, while taking away new ideas from a lively and relaxed setting,” explained Linda Green of the School of Biology, one of the group’s founders.  

Green and Chrissy Spencer, also of the School of Biology, got the idea for the club after attending a conference where they learned about a similar group that exists at Jacksonville University and discusses teaching- and learning-focused books.

“It was clear how much the Jacksonville University participants enjoyed the group and what a positive impact the club had on their jobs,” Green said.

So, the two approached the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning about offering something similar at Tech.

The group is co-supported by CETL and the Dean’s Office of the College of Sciences. Nancy Ruggeri, faculty development fellow for CETL, agreed to develop the club with Green and Spencer.

The club is open to both faculty and staff, and participants read one book each semester (one chapter is discussed during each meeting). Light refreshments are served.   

Books are selected by the group’s co-facilitators: Green, Spencer and Ruggeri. This spring, the group read “What the Best College Teachers Do,” by Ken Bain.

Thanks to support from CETL, participants received a complimentary copy of the book, which the co-facilitators hope will be the case in future semesters.

Meetings are held on the first and third Friday of each month from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Student Success Center. Members are asked to attend at least six of the eight meetings held during the semester.  

New participants are welcome each semester. Readers interested in participating in the fall semester book club can contact Ruggeri.