Once upon a time ... my teaching began with an internship ...
Once upon a time ... my teaching began with an internship ...
At the end of my academic career, what will matter most to me is not the number of papers I’ve published, the grants I’ve secured, or any recognition I may have received—but whether I’ve been a good mentor. That’s the standard I’ve always held myself to.
I began my teaching journey as a high school intern, where I quickly discovered my passion for both the subjects I taught and the students I served. While I cherished the role, I also knew I could aspire to something greater—not just to be a local educator, but to grow into a global leader in education.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach language arts, communication, and psychology to young people and adolescents across 25 countries, engaging with diverse cultures and learning environments. Currently, I serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Minnesota, where I teach an introductory psychology course for non-majors. I deeply enjoy working with my students—and the feeling is mutual. We truly value the time we share in the classroom.
At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the belief that education should be a transformative experience—one that empowers students to think critically, embrace diverse perspectives, and connect learning to real-world contexts. I see the classroom not just as a space for content delivery, but as a dynamic environment where curiosity is nurtured, dialogue is encouraged, and every student feels seen and valued. Having taught across cultures and disciplines, I strive to create inclusive learning experiences that honor students’ unique backgrounds while challenging them to grow intellectually and personally. I aim not only to teach, but to inspire—and to leave a lasting impact as a mentor who helps students discover their own voice and potential.
I have deep trust in my students and those I teach or mentor. I genuinely believe in their potential to achieve remarkable things—and I see it as my role to support, guide, and challenge them along the way.
I’m currently available for one-on-one consultations regarding scholarship opportunities or research. If you're interested, feel free to book a time slot via my calendar: https://calendly.com/chau0139-umn, or email me at chau0139@umn.edu to arrange a time that works for you.