I believe that social welfare/ social work is a study of happiness and justice. Therefore, through my teaching, I try my best to convey that message. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that social welfare/ social work education must be both academically rigorous and deeply connected to real-world practice. I see the classroom as a space not only to transmit knowledge, but also to cultivate critical thinking, empathy, and professional responsibility.
I approach teaching with three guiding principles: clarity, connection, and application. Clarity is central to how I design lectures and materials. I aim to organize content in a structured way that supports comprehension, particularly for students who are engaging with complex or unfamiliar concepts. Connection reflects my effort to link abstract theories with the lived realities of individuals, communities, and policy environments. I encourage students to view social work not only as an academic discipline but also as a framework that directly impacts everyday life. Finally, the application underscores my commitment to bridging theory and practice. Through case studies, discussions, and project-based learning, I challenge students to apply what they learn to contemporary social issues.
I believe students learn best when they are active participants in their education. I encourage dialogue, questioning, and reflection, while fostering an inclusive classroom environment where diverse perspectives are respected and valued. In particular, I am attentive to issues of aging, digital transformation, and global welfare challenges, and I integrate these themes into my courses to broaden students' scope of learning.
Ultimately, my goal as an educator is to nurture students who are not only knowledgeable but also reflective, adaptive, and ethically grounded. I hope to equip them with the tools to navigate complexity, advocate for equity, and contribute meaningfully to the field of social welfare.
Undergraduate level: Social Work Administration, Social Work Policy
School of Social Work, Graduate level: BK 21 Seminar
<(Post-)Modern Welfare Issues I>, <(Post-)Modern Welfare Issues II>
This course is designed to introduce master’s and doctoral students in the School of Social Welfare to current and emerging trends in social issues, while also exploring the challenges, risks, and opportunities facing the field today. The course will cover four key topics related to contemporary and post-modern welfare concerns: (1) building an inclusive social welfare system and fostering professional expertise, (2) the impact of digitization and demographic shifts, (3) sustainability in welfare and the role of interdisciplinary research, and (4) the challenges posed by post-modern society and global social issues.
Undergraduate level: Innovative Solution to Resolve Regional Problems
This course is structured around a semester-long team project aimed at identifying regional problems and developing creative, innovative solutions. Students will engage in a systematic process that includes selecting a target region, diagnosing pressing issues, identifying key stakeholders, analyzing previous approaches, and designing a prototype intervention. By the end of the semester, each team will present a well-formulated and innovative solution that demonstrates both critical analysis and practical applicability.
Introduction to Working with Older Adults
Support for Practical Skills
Through the Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Teaching (IIT) Fellowship
Experienced teaching assistantship through courses designed for James Madison College students
Through teaching mentorship from the School of Social Work
School of Social Work, Graduate level: Program evaluation, Social Work with Older Adults
Undergraduate level: People and Environment
Guest lectures
Undergraduate level: Introduction to Social Work