Teaching Philosophy

I have eleven years of teaching experience, along with eleven years of volunteer teaching experience (2013-present). I prioritize raising student engagement and enthusiasm by using a number of teaching strategies: 

(1) Animation, where students watch for homework an animated video that relates to the philosophical reading.

(2) Worksheets, where students construct a philosophical argument related to one used in the reading material that supports the philosopher’s point and a philosophical argument intended to pose a problem for the philosopher’s argument, with precise explanations for both

(3) Reflection, where students with various cultural background, write personal reflections on the reading and learn how to craft respectful questions and charitable critiques about the material.

(4) Instructor's summary, where the instructor provides a written summary and recorded video that simplifies the material. 

These exercises showcase my pedagogical flexibility, my interest in allowing students to bring their personal experiences to bear upon their academic work, and my ability to create a positive classroom culture. 

In addition, I have taught for various years in the NYC Department of Education to students that needed more assistance, in which I provided various supplemental materials that relate to the student’s cultural language and views. Along with my work experience, I was involved in two competitive programs NYC Men Teach, where I was able to obtain professional development that taught me various teaching methods, and NYC Bilingual Pupil program. Currently, I am part of the Minorities and Philosophy (MAP) mentor at the University of South Florida, where I help recruit, retain, mentor, and advise minorities in philosophy.