My primary aim as an instructor is to encourage critical and independent thinking with regards to the knowledge that students acquire in the classroom, and in their private and public lives. To achieve this goal, I challenge students both through assigned materials, and by presenting themes and perspectives with which they may be unfamiliar. Creating a classroom in which students are engaged and reflective is crucial to forging a positive learning environment, and developing an inquisitive mindset. I ensure that students have ample opportunities to utilize their abilities and intellect to creatively confront a myriad of political, economic, and social concerns.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in fostering student empowerment and civic engagement. I challenge students to animate solutions to problems they discover in their socioeconomic and political worlds. It is paramount that students are encouraged both by in-class opportunities and through their written assignments to question and dispute intellectually demanding texts. Cosmopolitan classroom environments require that students explore alternative perspectives and philosophies and I cultivate readings by authors who are from an array of backgrounds, and who address issues of race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, and national identity. I present ample opportunities for consideration of distinctive viewpoints through classroom readings, audio-visual materials, and discourse, and I maintain a setting of critical discussion and debate, rather than lecture. I work to build a classroom where students can articulate their existing, deeply held political ideals but also one in which beliefs are freely, yet respectfully deliberated. I want students to feel that they as individuals, and as part of collectives can change their world. Empowering students, and helping them develop their intellectual tools are central teaching aims.
Teaching is the greatest privilege of academic life and I am fortunate to be in front of the classroom.
Awards and Honors
- William Allen Jones Excellence in Teaching Award granted by the Temple University Department of Political Science (2018-2019)
- Honored as Faculty Mentor by 2018 College of Liberal Arts Baccalaureate Scholarship & Award recipient
Training
- Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (2018) Awarded by Temple University College of Education
- I additionally have taken several courses on pedagogy at CUNY Queens College including Educational Foundations, and Language, Literacy, and Culture in Education. While these courses are not specifically designed for college instructors, many of the same principles, concepts, and approaches to teaching apply.
Instructor of Record
Lafayette College
In-Person
- Introduction to United States Politics
- Racial & Ethnic Minorities in American Politics
- Introduction to Political Theory
- State and Local Government and Politics
Temple University
In-Person
- Introduction to Political Philosophy (Sample: Fall 2019 Syllabus)
- American State and Local Government
- Politics of Identity in America (Sample: Spring 2020 Syllabus)
- History and Significance of Race in America
Online
- Introduction to Political Philosophy
- Politics of Identity in America
- American State and Local Government
Teaching Assistant
- Local Government and Community Advocacy