After working 36 years as a software engineer and project manager, Computer Science Instructor John Sissler, decided to share his experience and passion with students.
He retired from his career in 2018 and, in spring 2019, began as an adjunct professor at Sussex County Community College in Newton. Three months ago, after five years in his adjunct role, Sissler became a full-time instructor.
“I thought teaching would be a great way to stay involved with computer science and share my experience with students,” says Sissler.
This semester, Sissler teaches Introduction to Computer Science I, Website Development I, Database Management Systems, and Computer Concepts & Applications. He is scheduled to teach five classes this spring.
Teaching at SCCC works perfectly for him. He has lived in nearby Sparta since 1992 and is an expert in the field.
“The two main attributes I offer my classes are experience and passion for computer science,” says Sissler.
He enjoys “Interacting with students and upgrading my own subject knowledge.”
Sissler is also excited that “As part of a Skylands Research Institute project, COMS114 students can use an application which features an AI-powered humanoid tutor.”
Outside of teaching, Sissler is a married family man with two adult children.
“I have also worked for many years as an on-ice official for youth and adult ice hockey,” he shares.
Sissler holds a master’s degree in computer science from Columbia University. Before joining the SCCC faculty, he accumulated significant experience as a software engineer and project manager, specializing in systems programming, computer-aided engineering, and financial engineering. John is also actively involved with the Skylands Research Institute at SCCC. In 2023, he received a grant for his research project titled “Using the GPT-3.5 AI Model to Implement Interactive Nonplaying Characters in Unity 3D.” In 2024, he was also awarded another grant for the project “Next-Generation Learning: Implementing and Evaluating an AI Tutor for CS1.”
To learn more about Sussex County Community College and all its offerings, visit sussex.edu/apply. Registration for the spring semester opens on November 18th.