Innovation and Success

Course Innovations:

My most innovative moment thus far did not come during the Fall of 2016 when I entered the classroom for my very first day of teaching, but instead the semester before. During the Spring of 2016, I began course development and training for the newly approved and required course “Intro to Health Disparities and the Social Determinants of Health.” Having never been taught before, my task was to develop all course materials including weekly topics, assigned readings, lectures, assessments, course evaluations and anything else that would enhance the student’s knowledge concerning public health and health disparities. Nonetheless, I did not begin this venture alone and also worked collaboratively.

That spring semester, I “taught” the course on a weekly basis without students to engage. I worked effortlessly to ensure materials being presented would provide the most in-depth, relevant and current information possible. Although quite challenging, the Fall 2016 really was a harvest of the seeds we planted while developing the course in the Spring.

Continuing to seek success:

The Fall of 2016 launched my teaching journey and the beginning of many learning opportunities. I have learned that courses will and SHOULD require refining. I learned that it is otherwise a disservice to present course materials without acknowledging the contribution that past students brought to a class. From the Fall of 2016 to the Spring of 2017, I experienced first-hand the differences in teaching in-person versus online. Both have pros and cons, but the online classroom is by far the most challenging and rewarding setting for evolving as an instructor.* Thus, I bring years of practical experience for addressing challenges in delivering online course material.

*Originally written Pre-COVID19.