Teaching Philosophy

Dr. Richard Felder says, “College teaching is the only skilled profession I know that nobody teaches the practitioners how to do” (Honeycutt, 2019). It is my passion to help faculty to understand and use any and all of the resources that they are provided to create the most effective, learner centered, humanized learning experiences for each student enrolled in their course.

Technology is a powerful tool to enhance learning. It is most effective when it reduces complexity and engages students, but this can be a daunting task when teachers are not comfortable with it. Therefore, I seek to create innovative strategies and solutions that allow instructors to focus on the content of their courses as well as their students.

Teaching should be learner centered. When teaching focuses on the student, the student is empowered to continue learning throughout their professional lives. Rather than the instructor directing the learning experience, the instructor allows the learner to have input into their individual learning process. I enjoy teaching faculty to use technological platforms to encourage this among their students through fostering discussion, collaboration, and personalized feedback.

Teaching should be humanized. Classroom experiences should create opportunities for learners to connect with the content, each other, and the instructor. The nature of distance education with its limited live interaction makes seeing students as individuals extremely difficult. The result is often an impersonal, detached atmosphere that is not ideal for learning. I see my role as one that draws students and faculty together through technology. I teach faculty how to use the tools available to them to bring students into a virtual classroom where they can be valued and understood.

My goal for the faculty I interact with is that they will expand past their comfort level each term in how to use technology available to them to engage, encourage, and challenge their students during their academic careers. I believe learning should be a life-long process where both teachers and students continue to become the very best at what they do. I consider it a privilege that I have the opportunity to come alongside faculty and support them as they grow future leaders.