Experience Summary
I have extensive experience teaching all aspects of English, writing and composition, grammar, and literature. I have taught at University of New Mexico for the past seven years during my graduate work, and as a part-time instructor. In my teaching I commonly have worked one-on-one with students in the writing process. I am also a poet and creative writer with a broad base of knowledge in the humanities and arts to draw from. Though I have been working with college students, I love younger students as well and have much patience and adaptability with learning styles and levels.
Teaching Style
I believe that listening is a key to helping a student succeed in a subject matter that may not come easily to them. Building on a child's strengths and trying to find a "way in" that makes sense to them is a good strategy. Using creativity and "outside the box" approaches to learning can help a child access their latent abilities. Writing is such a powerful tool, not only for self-expression but for changing the world and for success in many professions-- I try to highlight the importance of writing to students' lives whenever possible, to connect the writing process (and literature) to their passions and to get them excited about it.