All Things Teaching

On this page you will find a list of courses I have taught over the years, sample Syllabi, an Activity Portfolio, Sample Lesson Plans, and my Professional Development as it relates to teaching.

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that students learn best when they understand not only what they are learning, but why it matters. I strive to create learning experiences that connect linguistic theory to authentic, real-world contexts so students can recognize that linguistics is not confined to a textbook—it shapes the conversations they have, the media they consume, the technologies they use, and the professions they pursue. Whether examining healthcare communication, artificial intelligence, bilingualism, or sociolinguistic variation, I encourage students to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and apply course concepts beyond the classroom. My goal is for students to leave my courses viewing language not as an abstract subject, but as a powerful tool for understanding people, improving communication, and solving real-world problems.

I also believe that meaningful learning occurs in a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and respected. I foster a student-centered environment built on clear expectations, inclusivity, and mutual respect while maintaining high academic standards. Beyond disciplinary knowledge, I aim to help students develop transferable skills—including critical thinking, collaboration, professional communication, and the ability to evaluate and use artificial intelligence thoughtfully and responsibly. These skills will serve students well regardless of their career path. Ultimately, I hope my courses inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lasting appreciation for linguistics as both an academic discipline and a practical lens for understanding the world.

Courses

2026

LING 302V: Language and Society

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring

Format: Online

Study of how social identity including such factors as ethnicity, age, sex, education, power and socio-economic class is expressed in language systems and how misunderstandings arise between groups. Research skills are emphasized.

LING 2110G: Introduction to Linguistics

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring

Format: Online

This course presents an introduction to the study of language through the basic aspects of linguistic analysis: the sound system (phonetics and phonology), the structure of words and sentences (morphology and syntax), and the ways in which language is used to convey meaning (semantics and pragmatics). In addition, the course will investigate how language is acquired and stored in the brain, and how differences in speech styles and dialects reflect different social and cultural backgrounds of individual speakers.

LING 405: Topics In Linguistics - Linguistics and Healthcare

University/Semester: NMSU/Summer

Format: Online

This course examines the role of language and communication in healthcare through the lens of linguistics. Students will explore how discourse, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics shape interactions between patients and healthcare professionals, while investigating the effects of language ideologies, linguistic bias, and cultural differences on healthcare access and outcomes. The course also addresses ethical and legal considerations surrounding interpreting and accessibility, health literacy, and public health communication across diverse linguistic communities. Through critical analysis and an original research project, students will apply linguistic theory to contemporary healthcare issues and develop evidence-based solutions for improving communication in clinical and emergency settings.

2025

LING 302V: Language and Society

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring and Fall

Format: Online

Study of how social identity including such factors as ethnicity, age, sex, education, power and socio-economic class is expressed in language systems and how misunderstandings arise between groups. Research skills are emphasized.

LING 2110G: Introduction to Linguistics

University/Semester: NMSU/Fall

Format: Online

This course presents an introduction to the study of language through the basic aspects of linguistic analysis: the sound system (phonetics and phonology), the structure of words and sentences (morphology and syntax), and the ways in which language is used to convey meaning (semantics and pragmatics). In addition, the course will investigate how language is acquired and stored in the brain, and how differences in speech styles and dialects reflect different social and cultural backgrounds of individual speakers.

2024

LING 302V: Language and Society

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring

Format: Online

Study of how social identity including such factors as ethnicity, age, sex, education, power and socio-economic class is expressed in language systems and how misunderstandings arise between groups. Research skills are emphasized.

2023

SPA 101: Elementary Spanish I

University/Semester: ASU/Spring

Format: Hybrid

Fundamentals of the language. Emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

SPA 101: Elementary Spanish I

University/Semester: ASU/Spring

Format: Hybrid

Fundamentals of the language. Emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

LING 2110G: Introduction to Linguistics

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring

Format: Online

This course presents an introduction to the study of language through the basic aspects of linguistic analysis: the sound system (phonetics and phonology), the structure of words and sentences (morphology and syntax), and the ways in which language is used to convey meaning (semantics and pragmatics). In addition, the course will investigate how language is acquired and stored in the brain, and how differences in speech styles and dialects reflect different social and cultural backgrounds of individual speakers.

LING 302V: Language and Society

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring

Format: Online

Study of how social identity including such factors as ethnicity, age, sex, education, power and socio-economic class is expressed in language systems and how misunderstandings arise between groups. Research skills are emphasized.

LING 2110G: Introduction to Linguistics

University/Semester: NMSU/Fall

Format: Online

This course presents an introduction to the study of language through the basic aspects of linguistic analysis: the sound system (phonetics and phonology), the structure of words and sentences (morphology and syntax), and the ways in which language is used to convey meaning (semantics and pragmatics). In addition, the course will investigate how language is acquired and stored in the brain, and how differences in speech styles and dialects reflect different social and cultural backgrounds of individual speakers.

2022

SPAN 1110: Spanish I

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring

Format: Online

Designed for students with little exposure to Spanish, this course develops basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and basic intercultural competence in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication at the Novice Level of proficiency based on ACTFL guidelines. During this course, students perform better and stronger in the Novice Mid level while some abilities emerge in the Novice High range. This is an introductory course aimed at helping the student to communicate in Spanish in everyday familiar situations via recognition and production of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences. Prerequisite(s): language placement and/or assessment by departmental examination.

SPAN 2110: Spanish III

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring

Format: Online

This course is based on the integration of learning outcomes across Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational Modes of Communication at the Intermediate Low Level of proficiency based on ACTFL guidelines. Students accomplish real-world communicative tasks in culturally appropriate ways as they gain familiarity with the target culture(s). This is an intermediate course aimed at helping the student to communicate in Spanish on familiar topics about self, others and everyday life at the same time that they recognize and handle short social interactions in interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering a variety of questions. Prerequisite: language placement and assessment by departmental examination or C or better in SPAN 1120.

LING 2110G: Introduction to Linguistics

University/Semester: NMSU/Fall

Format: Online

This course presents an introduction to the study of language through the basic aspects of linguistic analysis: the sound system (phonetics and phonology), the structure of words and sentences (morphology and syntax), and the ways in which language is used to convey meaning (semantics and pragmatics). In addition, the course will investigate how language is acquired and stored in the brain, and how differences in speech styles and dialects reflect different social and cultural backgrounds of individual speakers.

LING 302V: Language and Society

University/Semester: NMSU/Fall

Format: Online

Study of how social identity including such factors as ethnicity, age, sex, education, power and socio-economic class is expressed in language systems and how misunderstandings arise between groups. Research skills are emphasized.

SPA 201: Intermediate Spanish

University/Semester: ASU/Fall

Format: Hybrid

Continuation of fundamentals. Emphasizes the development of the skills of reading, listening comprehension, speaking, writing, and culture.

2021

SPAN 1110: Spanish I

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring

Format: Online

Designed for students with little exposure to Spanish, this course develops basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and basic intercultural competence in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication at the Novice Level of proficiency based on ACTFL guidelines. During this course, students perform better and stronger in the Novice Mid level while some abilities emerge in the Novice High range. This is an introductory course aimed at helping the student to communicate in Spanish in everyday familiar situations via recognition and production of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences. Prerequisite(s): language placement and/or assessment by departmental examination.

SPAN 1110: Spanish I

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring

Format: Online

Designed for students with little exposure to Spanish, this course develops basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and basic intercultural competence in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication at the Novice Level of proficiency based on ACTFL guidelines. During this course, students perform better and stronger in the Novice Mid level while some abilities emerge in the Novice High range. This is an introductory course aimed at helping the student to communicate in Spanish in everyday familiar situations via recognition and production of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences. Prerequisite(s): language placement and/or assessment by departmental examination.

SPAN 1110: Spanish I

University/Semester: NMSU/Fall

Format: Face-to-Face

Designed for students with little exposure to Spanish, this course develops basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and basic intercultural competence in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication at the Novice Level of proficiency based on ACTFL guidelines. During this course, students perform better and stronger in the Novice Mid level while some abilities emerge in the Novice High range. This is an introductory course aimed at helping the student to communicate in Spanish in everyday familiar situations via recognition and production of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences. Prerequisite(s): language placement and/or assessment by departmental examination.

SPAN 1110: Spanish I

University/Semester: NMSU/Fall

Format: Face-to-Face

Designed for students with little exposure to Spanish, this course develops basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and basic intercultural competence in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication at the Novice Level of proficiency based on ACTFL guidelines. During this course, students perform better and stronger in the Novice Mid level while some abilities emerge in the Novice High range. This is an introductory course aimed at helping the student to communicate in Spanish in everyday familiar situations via recognition and production of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences. Prerequisite(s): language placement and/or assessment by departmental examination.

2020

SPAN 111: Elementary Spanish

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring

Format: Online

Designed for students with little exposure to Spanish, this course develops basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and basic intercultural competence in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication at the Novice Level of proficiency based on ACTFL guidelines. During this course, students perform better and stronger in the Novice Mid level while some abilities emerge in the Novice High range. This is an introductory course aimed at helping the student to communicate in Spanish in everyday familiar situations via recognition and production of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences. Prerequisite(s): language placement and/or assessment by departmental examination.

SPAN 111: Elementary Spanish

University/Semester: NMSU/Spring

Format: Face-to-Face

Designed for students with little exposure to Spanish, this course develops basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and basic intercultural competence in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication at the Novice Level of proficiency based on ACTFL guidelines. During this course, students perform better and stronger in the Novice Mid level while some abilities emerge in the Novice High range. This is an introductory course aimed at helping the student to communicate in Spanish in everyday familiar situations via recognition and production of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences. Prerequisite(s): language placement and/or assessment by departmental examination.

SPAN 111: Elementary Spanish

University/Semester: NMSU/Fall

Format: Online

Designed for students with little exposure to Spanish, this course develops basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and basic intercultural competence in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication at the Novice Level of proficiency based on ACTFL guidelines. During this course, students perform better and stronger in the Novice Mid level while some abilities emerge in the Novice High range. This is an introductory course aimed at helping the student to communicate in Spanish in everyday familiar situations via recognition and production of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences. Prerequisite(s): language placement and/or assessment by departmental examination.

SPAN 111: Elementary Spanish

University/Semester: NMSU/Fall

Format: Online

Designed for students with little exposure to Spanish, this course develops basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and basic intercultural competence in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication at the Novice Level of proficiency based on ACTFL guidelines. During this course, students perform better and stronger in the Novice Mid level while some abilities emerge in the Novice High range. This is an introductory course aimed at helping the student to communicate in Spanish in everyday familiar situations via recognition and production of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences. Prerequisite(s): language placement and/or assessment by departmental examination.

2018

ATOD Prevention Course

As a Youth Prevention Specialist with Adelante, Inc. I taught 2 sixth grade classes Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drug Prevention courses. This was a weekly course where I brought materials and followed the national guidelines provided. Newsletter updates were sent to parents, and rapport was built with teachers and schools.

2016

Spanish

As part of an internship related to course EDTL 2290 Introduction to Teaching and Learning for Languages At Bowling Green State University, taught introduction to Spanish to 1st graders at a local elementary school weekly. Planned all lessons for entire semester, interacted with students, prepared materials, built rapport with homeroom teacher, and sent weekly newsletters to parents with updates on what we were learning and any homework.

2014

ElderCollege Critical Thinking Course

Assisted in the teaching of an ElderCollege course at Bowling Green State University Firelands Campus with the guidance of Dr. Chris Fluckinger.

2013

Spanish

As a member of Spanish IV at Perkins High School, taught Spanish I to students with learning disabilities every Friday for the academic year. Developed 2 lessons lasting approximately 30 minutes each and assisted students with other lessons throughout the year.

Course Evaluations

Click on the course(s) to see the corresponding evaluation.

Syllabi

Click on the course to see the corresponding syllabus.

Activity Portfolio

Linguistics and Healthcare

Introduction to Linguistics

Sample Course Outline

Language and Society

Spanish

Professional Development

2026

Teaching Students at Different Levels
- New Mexico State University; Oana Cimpean; August 12, 2026
Designing for Success: Structure, Accountability, and Teaching Students How to Be Students
- New Mexico State University; Oana Cimpean; August 11, 2026

2024

Forging a Way Forward: AI's Impacts on Teaching and Learning
- New Mexico State University; Michelle Miller; August 29, 2024
AI Tools and Faculty Work
- New Mexico State University; Michelle Miller; August 29, 2024
Realizing the Promise of Teaching with Technology: Minds Online Today
- New Mexico State University; Michelle Miller; August 28, 2024
Focus, Remember, Think: Activities and Resources Inspired by Minds Online
- New Mexico State University; Michelle Miller; August 28, 2024
Both/And: Balancing Content Knowledge and Thinking Skills
- New Mexico State University; Michelle Miller; August 27, 2024
How to Learn Students' Names
- New Mexico State University; Michelle Miller; August 27, 2024
Communication Across Differences
- New Mexico State University; Linda Scholz; April 4, 2024

2023

Intro to Canvas Accessibility: Best Practices and Tools for Creating Accessible Content, and Why it Matters
- New Mexico State University; Academic Technology Online Workshop; October 27, 2023

2022

Stronger Than Before: Resilience and Joy in Post-Pandemic Teaching
- New Mexico State University; Flower Darby; October 7, 2022
Teaching GenZ/iGen
- New Mexico State University; Jean M. Twenge; September 1, 2022