Experience Summary
I've been teaching public speaking at Iowa State for 8 years (Mostly public speaking, but also T.A.'ed Semantics & Gender Communications). I specialized in high anxiety speakers. Also tutored minority ISU football players for 10 years. I have taught time management, personality/learning styles, and study skills. The most rewarding part of both positions was directly linked to my PhD work in social justice education. This allowed me to individually guide each student (usually 60 each semester) to try to over come any limitations put upon them by themselves or society in regards to race, gender, socio-ecomic status, self esteem, etc.
Teaching Style
I am dedicated to helping all students learn valuable communication skills, become more compassionate of others, confident in their critical thinking, and hopeful about their futures.
I create a nurturing and safe environment of mutual respect that continuously focuses on both individuality and building community.
I enthusiastically apply all course content directly to students’ past, present and future so they can emotionally connect to the material.
I bring current events and pop culture into my classrooms regularly in order to help students develop a healthy respect for both the formal and informal ways in which they can become lifelong learners/critical thinkers.
I understand that my students may have both explicit and implicit personal challenges that impede learning, so I take the time to know them individually in order to help them succeed.
I feel it is an honor and a privilege to observe and assist in another human's intellectual growth.