Teaching Philosophy
Over the years I have absorbed many theories and approaches to teaching writing and literature, and I continue to seek out new methods and revive trusted techniques. I tend toward a student-centered classroom, but I also embrace the role of navigator, or scout, someone with knowledge of the terrain and who can provide direction.
I include digital media in most lectures I give, but I do not rely on it or expect it to replace the hard work of finding common ground on which my students and I can explore the texts, themes, issues, and techniques we encounter during the semester.
Whether studying literature or writing, I challenge my students to question previously held beliefs and knowledge. My goal is not to overturn beliefs or upset knowledge (although sometimes that may be useful), but rather to help develop an understanding and consideration of how our use of language affects our thought process and our experience and interactions with our society and world.
I try to keep my classrooms lively but not unruly, my teaching style loose but not sloppy, my approach demanding but rewarding.
I include digital media in most lectures I give, but I do not rely on it or expect it to replace the hard work of finding common ground on which my students and I can explore the texts, themes, issues, and techniques we encounter during the semester.
Whether studying literature or writing, I challenge my students to question previously held beliefs and knowledge. My goal is not to overturn beliefs or upset knowledge (although sometimes that may be useful), but rather to help develop an understanding and consideration of how our use of language affects our thought process and our experience and interactions with our society and world.
I try to keep my classrooms lively but not unruly, my teaching style loose but not sloppy, my approach demanding but rewarding.
Teaching Experience
I have experience teaching in a variety of classroom and university environments. I've taught at a small liberal arts college and at one of the largest universities in the US. I've had classes filled with students almost entirely from the humanities, and others that contained students primarily form the STEM fields. I've taught in rooms that had little more than an overhead projector, to smart rooms where every student had a computer. I also teach online courses. I am nothing if not flexible, and I always enjoy the challenges that greet me with each new semester.
I currently teach literature and writing at Missouri Southern State University and have been teaching full time since the fall 2012 beginning at Oklahoma State University. I taught as a graduate student while completing a PhD at Texas A&M, and an MA at SUNY New Paltz. I included some links to recent syllabi below.
I also worked as a tutor at SUNY New Paltz in the Equal Opportunity Program (EOP). The program provides academic and financial support to students who fall below general admission criteria, but demonstrate potential to succeed. The tutoring program was set up much like an extra course for students. I met with a group of approximately 15 twice a week and assisted them individually with writing projects for their classes. I also provided short lessons on various aspects of writing, writing exercises, and facilitated group work.
I currently teach literature and writing at Missouri Southern State University and have been teaching full time since the fall 2012 beginning at Oklahoma State University. I taught as a graduate student while completing a PhD at Texas A&M, and an MA at SUNY New Paltz. I included some links to recent syllabi below.
I also worked as a tutor at SUNY New Paltz in the Equal Opportunity Program (EOP). The program provides academic and financial support to students who fall below general admission criteria, but demonstrate potential to succeed. The tutoring program was set up much like an extra course for students. I met with a group of approximately 15 twice a week and assisted them individually with writing projects for their classes. I also provided short lessons on various aspects of writing, writing exercises, and facilitated group work.