I am: 58 years old, live near the James river, mother of 3 adult sons, an associate director of the Center for Civic Engagement, nerdy... I like: stories, sweets, tubing, music, learning, cats AND dogs, and being outside...
Teaching Philosophy: I believe we are born curious and ready to learn. We learn our language and how to take care of ourselves and many cool things before we ever enter school. I like to find ways to minimize the amount that school makes us doubt, and maybe even forget, our natural abilities. My method for doing this is to create learning communities that engage all the members in wondering, discovering, connecting ideas in new ways, trying things out, reflecting, transforming, and leading. My classes always engage with the world outside of school in some way, which makes for a degree of unpredictability that causes some students discomfort. I don't think discomfort is always a bad thing.