As an educator, I
value affirming and supportive mentorship; education as a positive challenge
for students; and intellectual lessons that stimulate students’ reflections of
life values. My commitment to and understanding of feminism have shaped my
teaching style, emphasizing collaborative methods and empowerment of students.
In addition, the training for my M.Div. degree helped me develop skills and
experience in mentorship, a characteristic I take very seriously in professorship.
My work in
ministry—acting as (filling the roles of) a supervisor of volunteers, a teacher
of children, and youth group leader—has reminded me the importance of
developing rapport with students. In coursework, I want students to feel
comfortable approaching me with academic challenges and also personal
challenges—especially the ways in which course material challenges their
personal lives and daily assumptions. Here is the fruit of education.
Engagement with information and other parts of the world or other perspectives
can challenge the supposed realities that we take for granted. Effective
education challenges individuals on a personal level. It is up to the students
to continue the process and integrate new information into their developing and
changing understandings of the world. I act as a guide. Academic rigor has
always been important to me. I am affirming of students’ original ideas; I
encourage them to pursue their dreams; and I often offer suggestions for
resources that might help them accomplish their goals.
Besides the
development of personal integrity in each student, I also value serious
academic writing, as the skill of writing will help a student of the liberal
arts in any career. In accordance, I take written assignments very seriously
and respond to every student with detailed constructive feedback and questions
after a paper. In my own undergraduate experience, I felt very encouraged by
professors who took the time to write detailed notes in response to my papers.
Even when they offered criticism, I knew that I was a valued student. It is
that constructive criticism that I practice for my students, always affirming
them for their good efforts. Consequently, my course objectives include
academic writing.
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