And now I present to you.....My Teaching Philosophy!

I am a firm believer in the axiom "everyone can learn". I feel as though anyone can succeed in gaining knowledge as long as they are given a safe environment where they can discover and explore new information, make mistakes along the way, and have the encouragement and support of a teacher who understands various learning styles. In order for students to retain information, they have to see that what is being taught is relevant to their needs. They need to be able to walk out of the class and think "I can use this"! In order to accomplish this, I will present examples in my teaching that clearly demonstrate the usefulness of the information and how it can help improve their scholastic endeavors at the university. I will be upbeat and excited about the subjects I am teaching in the hopes that my excitement will inspire my students and encourage them to keep learning the material long after the classroom empties. My ultimate goal in teaching is not just to simply instruct but to create a lifetime love of learning in all of the students that I encounter.

Gone are the days where teachers merely stand in front of a classroom spewing facts and figures. Teachers today need to act as partners in education with their students and help facilitate learning by presenting information in various formats to accommodate different learning styles, develop active learning exercises, give constant feedback, and act as mentors. Not everyone learns at the same rate, therefore demonstrating patience and understanding will allow my students to feel comfortable in my classroom and not feel intimidated or anxious if they do not grasp concepts right away. Teachers should be approachable and I intend to make every effort possible to be there for my students whether they need me to stay after class to further explain a concept or if they contact me after hours through email. Constant communication between my students and I will prove to them that I genuinely care about their learning and that my goal is to ensure that they succeed.