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