Courses Taught

 

I have taught a variety of courses at Indiana University, the University of Minnesota, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and the University of Kentucky. I have created various courses from scratch and have created online versions of many courses that have been traditionally taught face-to-face. As a teacher, I find course and program development to be an exciting and rewarding experience.

University of Kentucky

University of North Carolina Wilmington

University of Minnesota

  • CI 5181: Clinical Experience in Elementary School Teaching (Face-to-face)(Spring 2004, Fall 2005, Spring 2006, Fall 2006, Spring 2007)
  • CI 5183: Applied Instructional Methods in Elementary Teaching (Face-to-face)(Spring 2004, Fall 2005, Spring 2006, Fall 2006, Spring 2007)

 Indiana University

  • E201: Multicultural Education for Elementary Teachers (Face-to-face)(Spring 2000)
  • T550: Cultural / Community Forces in the Schools (Face-to-face)(Fall 1999, Spring 2000, Fall 2000, Spring 2001)
  • M550: Practicum- Ethics & Cultural Studies (Face-to-face)(Fall 1999, Spring 2000, Fall 2000, Spring 2001)

My Teaching Philosophy:

My teaching philosophy developed out of over 15 years in the field of education working in settings such as the Navajo Reservation, inner-city Indianapolis, Spain, on the Texas-Mexico border, in East London, and in Cambodia.

I strive to create a learning environment that fosters the development of the whole person. I provide opportunities for students to interact in ways that make the content relevant to their lives. I use a variety of teaching methods to address individual learning styles and unique life experiences in a manner that will increase motivation, enhance ownership of the content, and foster the creation of new knowledge. Through integrating technology into my curriculum and instructional design, students learn the importance of understanding and utilizing diverse modes of technology to meet their learning needs.

As a facilitator of knowledge creation I strive to:

  • Teach students how to develop effective decision-making, critical thinking, and communication skills.
  • Provide opportunities to develop a community of learners that honors and celebrates relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and diverse life experiences.
  • Give accurate and consistent information to students.
  • Make the content relevant and applicable to students’ lives.
  • Encourage dialog between students, faculty, staff and the greater community.
  • Keep current on research.

My philosophy of teaching is my driving force. It is a set of beliefs that honor students, colleagues, and the global community. My teaching philosophy is guided by a few principles. I believe:

  • Students can and will make appropriate decisions if given the opportunity.
  • Differences among people positively influence a person's academic, career, and personal development.
  • Academic and professional relationships with colleagues both inside and outside of my department will enhance my professional development.
  • I lead by example; Experience can often be an ideal educator.
  • I understand the importance of continued professional development for students, faculty, and staff - in whatever form this takes.
  • The teaching-learning process is about the learner, not the teacher. Thus, I have the responsibility to ensure students succeed.
  • I teach to enhance lives.