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 often include digital media in any 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.
Please click here for a complete statement of my teaching philosophy.
I often include digital media in any 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.
Please click here for a complete statement of my teaching philosophy.
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 new challenges that greet me with each new semester.
I have been teaching full time at Oklahoma State University since the fall 2012. I taught as a graduate student while completing a PhD at Texas A&M, and an MA at SUNY New Paltz. I included links to the most recent syllabi for each of the courses 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.
Oklahoma State University
(Lecturer 2012-2013, Visiting Assistant Professor 2013 - Present)
Spring 2014 - Fall 2015
ENGL 3323 Technical Writing (Online)
ENGL 3323 Technical Writing (Traditional)
ENGL 2413 Introduction to Literature
ENGL 2413 Introduction to Literature (Honors)
Fall 2013
ENGL 1113 Composition I
ENGL 3323 Technical Writing
Fall 2012 - Spring 2013
ENGL 1213 Composition II
Texas A&M University
(Graduate Assistant Teacher)
Summer 2012
ENGL 338 American Ethnic Literature
Spring 2012, 2011, 2010, 2007, Fall 2008 - Fall 2009
ENGL 203 Introduction to Literature
Fall 2011
ENGL 228 American Literature, Civil War - Present
Summer 2010
ENGL 301 Technical Writing
Fall 2010
ENGL 104 Freshman Composition - Ecocomposition
Fall 2006
ENGL 104 Freshman Composition
SUNY New Paltz
(Teaching Assistant)
Fall 2002, 2003, 2004
Composition I
Spring 2003, 2004, 2005
Composition II (variously themed)
I have been teaching full time at Oklahoma State University since the fall 2012. I taught as a graduate student while completing a PhD at Texas A&M, and an MA at SUNY New Paltz. I included links to the most recent syllabi for each of the courses 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.
Oklahoma State University
(Lecturer 2012-2013, Visiting Assistant Professor 2013 - Present)
Spring 2014 - Fall 2015
ENGL 3323 Technical Writing (Online)
ENGL 3323 Technical Writing (Traditional)
ENGL 2413 Introduction to Literature
ENGL 2413 Introduction to Literature (Honors)
Fall 2013
ENGL 1113 Composition I
ENGL 3323 Technical Writing
Fall 2012 - Spring 2013
ENGL 1213 Composition II
Texas A&M University
(Graduate Assistant Teacher)
Summer 2012
ENGL 338 American Ethnic Literature
Spring 2012, 2011, 2010, 2007, Fall 2008 - Fall 2009
ENGL 203 Introduction to Literature
Fall 2011
ENGL 228 American Literature, Civil War - Present
Summer 2010
ENGL 301 Technical Writing
Fall 2010
ENGL 104 Freshman Composition - Ecocomposition
Fall 2006
ENGL 104 Freshman Composition
SUNY New Paltz
(Teaching Assistant)
Fall 2002, 2003, 2004
Composition I
Spring 2003, 2004, 2005
Composition II (variously themed)
Sample Syllabi
Coming soon. Stay tuned.