Teaching Philosophy

Often when people speak of teaching, they speak of passion, vocation, or calling. I simply see it as love. 

Love of Students.  In order to be an effective educator, whether it be in the classroom, advising session, or administrative role, a deep respect and concern for students needs to be present. Sure, there are days when students drive us crazy, but at the end of those days a love of students and their success isn't present, personal satisfaction will alwyas be lacking. 

Love of Craft. More specific, but still transferable. It's more than enjoying the act of teaching, the interaction of the classroom. It is the desire to constantly being aware of changes and best practices in the field. It is wanting, weather it's the first time or 100th time of teaching a class that it is the best class. It may be my 10th time teaching a subject, but it is the students first time. By remaining informed, educated and teachable about new trends in the practice of teaching, a better experience will be had by all.

Love of Subject. Being a good practicioner, loving the craft of teaching is important, but equally important is loving the subject one teaches. Staying active in ones chosen subject adds to the effectiveness of the instruction. Even the most rigid of fields changes over time. New research is done, new ideas and theories are discovered. The enthusiasm of an instructor who loves what they are teaching is as powerful a force that one will find in education. 

HIST 112 American History Since 1865

Spring 2012

HIST 112 American History Since 1865

Fall 2008

HIST 111: American History Until 1865

Spring 2007, Fall 2008

HIST 202: American History Since 1865

Fall 2005, Spring 2006

HIST 103: American Pluralism

Summer Session II (July Session), 2005

HIST 101: The Evolution of Western Ideas and Institutions to the Seventeenth Century

Summer Session II (June Session), 2004

Teaching Assistant, History Department, Loyola University of Chicago

            HIST 102: The Evolution of Western Ideas and Institutions Since the Seventeenth Century

Janet Nolan, Spring 2003

Robert O. Bucholz, Spring 2004, Spring 2005

HIST 101: The Evolution of Western Ideas and Institutions to the Seventeenth Century

Robert O. Bucholz, Fall 2002, Fall 2003, Fall 2004

History 216: United States History

Summer 2006

History 220: United States History, 1877-Present

Summer Quarter 2000, Winter Quarter 2002

HIST 128: History of Baseball

Summer Quarter 2002, Summer Quarter 2000

HIST 210: History of Chicago

Spring Quarter 2001, Spring Quarter 2002, Summer Quarter 2003

HIST 219: United States History, 1600-1877

Winter Quarter 2001

HIST 370: History of Rock and Roll

Summer Quarter 2001, Summer Quarter 2002

HIST 221: United States History, 1877-Present

Fall 1995