Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Effective Instructors:
• Promote Professional Development and Seek Training
• Create Networks and Make Connections
• Lead by Example
• Implement Diverse and Innovative Strategies
• Build a Culture of Inclusivity and Consistency
Effective teachers are commodifiable products of enthusiasm, focus and commitment that serve
as elite salesman. Teachers and thought leaders in higher education must look at education as a
product that is for sale, one that is valuable and affordable to all, without emphasis on one’s make
up. To enhance their skills, effective teachers are those that are self-reflexive and seek additional
training opportunities, in order to remain competitive because they take ownership and feel
responsible for igniting a spirit of success amongst their students. They also promote the ideals
of professional development and growth within their department. Through participation in
continued professional development, I am always working to further my craft and abilities and
am also eager to learn from my colleagues and the students in which I serve. Therefore, I have
created an office and classroom environment that mirrors the concept of a banking system; which
includes intellectual withdrawals and deposits from both my colleagues and students. I
subscribe to the concept that we are all lifelong learners and can learn from one another
regardless of role and rank.
Part of my philosophy is the thought of winning by creating networks; best practices include
collaborating and team building with staff/faculty colleagues and students. I believe it is
important to create an environment where students are stakeholders in the learning process,
where they are participants in planning for their future rather than audience members who are
allowed to sit back and only observe. I am cognizant of maintaining a commitment to having a
student centered approach, which can only be achieved by making connections. When a campus
leader can connect with its number one constituent, the student, then they can have a real impact
on their learning. When you can build a relationship, when you can make a connection, you can
foster growth. Effective teachers can do this best when they lead by example. By using their
experiences, successes and mistakes, effective teachers provide models and exemplars for their
students in order to provide a wider perspective that helps encourage smart, strategic and
analytical thinking as a part of the collaborative learning process.
Effective leaders have the know-how, savvy and patience to work with colleagues and students
of today’s classroom and workplace. They come in a multitude of packages which include
cultures, lifestyles, varied educational experiences; and most of all a myriad of views and
perspectives. My philosophy embodies the practice of giving support and advisement to all in an
equitable manner while differentiating my approach based on specific needs. Building a culture
that breeds the thought process that all students and colleagues have special talents and gifts that
they are able to contribute is the first step toward achievement in the classroom. Ensuring that
students have not only a space to be free and independent thinkers but most of all having been
given the opportunity to express who they are and how they think is a critical element in
ensuring that the ideals and practice of inclusion is weaved into the fabric of the classroom. As a
manager of the classroom it is important to also look at students as partners, offering
opportunities for them to have the opportunity to contribute to the instructional plan. I pride
myself on the ability to comprise a classroom setting full of diverse thought and foster an
environment that is welcoming of honest and respectful dialogue.
My teaching methodologies consist of traditional lecture style lessons coupled with real world
scenarios and experiential learning experiences. Through part lecture, student teamwork, student
led discussions and presentations, classroom points are traded for student initiative and the
display of course knowledge and mastery of the concepts presented. I apply multiple modalities
of instruction, which include the use of new media and both visual and written text taken from
multiple outlets and sources. In the age of social media and technology, where the digital lens has
taken our society by storm, I think it's important to incorporate the conceptual element of
"constructed" scenarios and real-world challenges that encourage developing the skill of problem
solving in order to better prepare global leaders who are competitive thinkers and trendsetters. I
embrace a cutting-edge style of teaching where I am most interested in helping students to
connect the dots about concepts that allow them to become more aware of industry issues, have a
better understanding of the information being presented in order to ultimately learn how to apply
the concepts once they are employed.
I have created a classroom culture of consistency by providing timely feedback, having
transparent instructional policies, and grading practices, and equitable educational opportunities
which foster a student-centered environment. I am an innovative teacher and leader in higher
education, one that is a package of commitment, approachableness, and flexibility, with a
steadfast attitude that is unwavering yet reasonable.
My ultimate goal is that students I work with walk away from my environment having had an
experience that they believe was fair, challenging, rewarding and one that has armed them with
transferable skills that have prepared them for the next stage in their academic and career
journey; but most important, prepared them to make an impact by leaving a profound footprint in
their professional and personal communities.
