I have experienced several times throughout my years in higher education the power of a notable professor.  It is without exception someone who cares deeply for the individuals they teach, and has an eagerness to see their students grow.  These are fundamental qualities I share and wish to provide as a professor.

Having a passion for the field in which one teaches is crucial, as well.  As a creative writer and Master of Fine Arts student, writing is both a professional and person endeavor.  Nearly all of my higher education has been in pursuit of becoming a better writer. After all these years, I still find new ways to improve.  For this reason, I understand that learning how to write well is not something that happens overnight; it is a long and often arduous journey that leads to a rewarding ability to communicate effectively.  Students can learn this through writing exercises and essays that involve real world application, like letters to political officials or researching and sharing ways to improve the community.

As a professor, I will be given the opportunity to interact with students who have made the decision to obtain higher education.  Their choice is powerful and important, and I will strive to help them recognize the potential they have when making choices to better themselves.  Writing, specifically, is one of the most important aspects of a student’s education. It is more than effective communication. Writing is about ideas, exploring the world in order to understand it and conveying insights in a meaningful way so others can build upon them.  Critical thinking is not only the root of good writing, but vital for a growing student. One of my goals in the classroom is to help students realize that by becoming educated in how to think and write, they are setting themselves up for success in virtually any field. Assignments that involve writing across the curriculum and in the discipline are imperative, because the variety allows space for the needs of each individual student.

Writing exercises are essential in helping develop young writers.  In order to ensure that writing is not always viewed as a daunting task, I would like to adopt Expressivist activities like freewriting based on a prompt, not to be graded but shared with the class after completion.  Journaling is another way to get students writing and exploring ideas, to be graded not on the quality of writing, but the engagement with the provided questions. Creative word association games are a unique and fun way to approach concepts.  Through these and other low stress exercises, I hope to show students that writing does not have to feel like work, that it can be enjoyable.

I am a firm believer in classroom discussion and will incorporate a horseshoe shape for the desks to attain a more personable and collaborative environment.  The importance of discussion stems from my belief that individuals are distinct and important. Emphasizing students’ participation through the verbal exploration of ideas is one way to understand the unique aspects that make up their world-view.  My father always used to tell me that some of the best things people say are those extemporaneously spoken in conversation. If we let students speak openly and regularly, we will likely be pleasantly surprised. Discussion helps students consider and share ideas.  This is an anti-banking model, an attempt to de-center the classroom and put the onus on students to actively capitalize on learning. Much like critical pedagogy, I don’t believe instructors should simply pass along information, rather everyone should be actively listening and learning from each other, including myself as professor.

I want to hear what students have to say.  If I listen closely to students, I can (1) Learn more about them; and (2) see their progress with the material.  If I spend a little more time familiarizing myself with students, I can teach them better. By valuing all of the students and what they have to say, I hope they will be more inclined to actively participate.  Not all approaches to teaching work for every student, and this is why I value listening so much: because understanding whether all students are on the same page begins with an attentive ear. From this information, I can modify and adapt to accommodate students’ needs as they arise.  I will check in with them throughout the class to ensure everyone is together. If they are not, I will clarify, and if they are still struggling, I will stay after class. Further, I will ensure that every student knows when and where they can reach me for clarification outside of class time, as well as providing campus resources to assist them if I am unable.

I hope to make technology a regular part of the classroom.  There are many videos on the web that are valuable and precise, like TedTalks.  These videos are handy in engaging students, not only because of their concise manner, but because they are familiar to students in the digital age.  Taking notes on Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Apple Notes is often a more efficient and legible way to record information. Devices can also allow internet access for in-class research.  Technology is always improving; therefore, we can become more efficient learners.

Teaching is difficult but rewarding.  Being able to interact with and listen to people as they develop is at the core of my philosophy.  I can teach them through classroom discussion, guided writing exercises and essays, and my passion for writing.  I hope to teach students to think deeply, write well, and pursue listening and learning throughout my course and the rest of their lives.