Teaching

Philosophy and approach

As a leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship teacher, I have a responsibility to help students think differently. It is incumbent on me to teach the essential information for the course(s). I also believe that teachers are required to support the ‘whole person formation’ – the emotional and social growth, as well as the intellectual growth of students. To this end, I  take responsibility for encouraging inspiration and wonder, supporting the self-exploration of ideas, and stimulating the desire to learn both in and out of the classroom.

I use various tools, techniques, and technology to teach new ideas and topics. I help identify and encourage using multiple, credible content sources that highlight a diversity of perspectives from which students can review, consider, and learn. I strive to keep abreast of the latest in my fields so that my knowledge remains relevant and meaningful to my teaching topics.

I believe teachers should be “dream starters” by helping students see potential and possibilities in themselves and their business ideas. In entrepreneurship, where failure is high, I endeavor to teach that failure provides the opportunity to apply new learnings to future endeavors and is not indicative of an individual’s character. I am enthusiastic and passionate about the topics I teach, and these attributes flow through my teaching. I am highly accepting of different views and perspectives and strive to set a professional example in my conversations and written communications with students.

Finally, I believe students are responsible to me, their classmates, and themselves for being respectful, present, engaged, and willing to work hard to complete the required coursework. Students should be ready to bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences forward, whenever possible, to enrich discussions and provide differing points of view from which everyone can learn.