Teaching Statement
As a journalism educator, my central goal is to prepare students to become ethical, critical and adaptive storytellers in a fast-changing media landscape. My teaching philosophy is rooted in experiential learning, diversity and above all, compassion for the communities we serve as journalists.
I believe that students learn best by practicing the "real world" journalistic tools we emphasize in our classrooms. This includes crating spaces to practice press conferences, pitching and freelancing story ideas and in the moment breaking news assignments. In this way, I strive to create a newsroom environment in the classroom.
Through class field trips, community guest speakers and exploratory assignments, I center curiousity and creativity at the very core of my curriculum. To be a good journalist is to be able to see the unseen and hear those who are often misheard or ignored altogether. As a professor of Solutions Journalism, I teach students not only to uncover what deserves a spotlight in society, but also to ask who is fixing the problem.
Through this exploration of Chicago's multitude of neighborhoods, I mobilize students and teach them the experiences of the everyman is equally if not more valuable than those in power.
I aim to educate the next generation of reporters by emphasizing the need to be insightful and compassionate people. In all of my courses, I am committed to building inclusive, supportive spaces where every student feels seen and heard. Journalism is a profession enriched by diverse voices, and I take seriously my role in mentoring students from all backgrounds, helping them navigate both the academic environment and the industry beyond it. I take my responsibility as the faculty mentor of NAHJ seriously and hold much pride for my students who are seeking to carve their own space in the media landscape
Ultimately, I aim to cultivate journalists who are not just skilled in the priciples of journalism but lead with compassion, curiousity and a desire to change the industry from within.