Teaching Philosophy
Statement

Inspired by the life and work of philosopher, educator, and activist Jane Addams, I believe that in order for education realize its potential as a public good it must be active, adaptable, and applicable. These “three As” best characterize my approach to teaching at the level of course design as well as practice within the classroom. By saying that education must be active, I intend to highlight the kind of engagement with the course material that I am to inspire in my students. By adaptable, I mean that teaching should responsive to both external circumstances and student needs. Finally, by applicable I am referring to my overarching goal as an educator: enabling students to see how the course content is relevant to their daily lives, to make connections to their future goals, and to navigate real-world problems with they learn in class. In addition to being guided by these principles, as a first-generation student from a low-income background, I am also committed to making higher education accessible for all students. In the context of teaching philosophy, I believe upholding this commitment and meeting these requirements entails including readings my syllabi that critically engage with philosophy as a discipline and continually reflecting on the efficacy and inclusivity of my teaching practices.