Teaching Philosophy

As an educator, I strive to integrate a philosophy that embodies experience though facilitated successes. I firmly believe learning occurs, perpetually, in all facets of life. The classroom will be the not be the beginning or the end. Wisdom does not come from a of system built entirely of gears, nor can understanding be gained solely from experience. Thus, when working with students I cultivate an environment where they can reach their own solutions. I seek to craft experiences that will contribute to those outside of the classroom. For the questions they ask, and the solutions they find, will form the foundation of their voice.

The voice of an enlightened individual cannot be replicated by a means dependent on technology or channels complacent to systematized response. A voice, inspired by visual culture, will forever be evolving. Encouraging critical thinking, letting it serve as a catalyst to develop intellectual vision, will allow students to stand apart and succeed in unlimited disciplines. I allegorically compare reading and running to the process of cultivating creative thinking. The arts and communication are as much about the intellect, as they are about action.

READING

As mediums evolve and channels for content distribution change, knowledge embodied by the written word continues to endure. Written ideas transcend mediums and unify thoughts on a globally accessible plain. Where media is immediately obtainable, automated; where content is abridged, distorted; widening the gaze of the student to include comprehensive, diverse ideas not dependent on the realms of technology is paramount. Written text adds historical consequence and cultural values. Academic essays provide critical theory to complete an informational bridge between origins and present-day understandings. Using these elements provides necessary information in addition to adding language one can use to discuss contemporary visual culture.

Today's informational sources are powerful devices; for a student to find their path it is imperative to learn where they stand. Their aspirations in life can only be met and achieved by them for they themselves embody the unique moment in which they create. The relationship between educator and student must engage the developing inner voice, illuminate opportunities in which they can express themselves. Knowledge gained though the eyes of many provides students with the foundation to think critically about their own process, take risks, and boldly form structure within purpose to define their own lives.

RUNNING

With regards to reading it is impossible to bring a vision to fruition without action. Thus it is important to run. Learning is as much mental as it is physical. It is as important to create art, as it is to critically discuss it. Ideas are underdeveloped without analysis but the impact of the idea can be amiss without the necessary physical undertaking.

Yet before we can run, we all must walk, and we must start slowly by building a discipline that is rooted within knowledge and practice. Assignments are important to the process; however, if they are not crafted in such a way to invoke passion, ideas then becomes a chore, if not an apathetic task. The exercise can be lost, the run can become strenuous. The object of work is not to squander enthusiasm but function as encouragement, compliment assessment, and gauge growth. The collegiate environment provides the arena for evolving endeavors while faculty can support the continued determination to succeed.

Definitively there are many tools needed to provide a positive setting for education, from instruction and development to balance and success, all are essential meet to a ever-transforming, organic society. The necessary experience each student desires changes, yet addressing the inner voice of a student remains fundamental. I use reading and running as my guides. As I work to build intellectual foundations, I seek to provide concrete opportunities. It is my aspiration and passion to leave a student, in or out of the classroom, with the experience of turning an idea into action, a vision into reality, as they are ultimately creating the culture of tomorrow.