Teaching Philosophy

The students are what makes teaching rewarding. I feel it is our job as their mentors to give them everything we can to ensure their success. College is a pivotal time in one’s life, and I am here to help guide decisions that will affect not only their time on campus but potentially the rest of their lives. My goal is to inspire and encourage every student to be the best they can be. As an adviser I am here to support, challenge, and keep students focused through their journey towards graduation. I strive to build a relationship with each student who comes through my office. Universities are large places, as professors, anything we can do to make it feel a little smaller can make the biggest difference.

Below I have answered a selection of common questions I think convey my values and purpose as an educator.

Why do I teach?

School was never something that came easy to me. I had very low confidence in my ability to do well in academics. I always felt like I had to work twice as hard as everybody else and receive extra help to succeed. I always knew I would need to find a career that would allow me to be creative and why I ended up at CSU studying interior design. In part, this is why I love to teach, my struggle as a youth drives me to be patient and compassionate and never give up. The moment I see the lightbulb turn on in the student’s head, and I know they get it, brings me immense joy.

Another reason I love teaching is simply because I love the practice of interior architecture and design. I love giving to the students everything I have learned from my experiences. I love to inspire them to follow their dreams of being a designer too. I love being a cheerleader and building their confidence to succeed. All these things bring me happiness and drive me to give the students my best.

What does good teaching mean to me? 

For me teaching is not just about learning the process, it’s about understanding the process and applying it.

Teaching means to me: The students not only learn the tools, techniques, and design philosophies (Sketching, CAD, Sketch-Up Adobe, Bluebeam) they are able to apply these tools to their own projects with confidence and independence.

Teaching for me is about: Inspiring the students with the practice of the work, letting them take creative liberties, giving the students structure, but also giving them freedom.

Teaching is about: Guiding the students through the process, explaining the foundation, giving them a why and then giving them the freedom they need to take the reins.  

Teaching for me: Is not throwing students into the deep end and hoping they can swim. or carry them across the pool. It’s about finding this balance and being supportive, and patient while they figure it out.  

What makes me unique as a teacher?

Each additional semester I get a chance to teach I learn more about who I am as an educator. I have started to notice some things I do differently in the classroom.

One of the first things I have incorporated into my classes I think sets it apart from others is the incorporation and support of utilizing technology. Specifically supporting the programs/software we use in the field and will be utilized in studio. (AutoCAD, Sketch-up, Adobe, Bluebeam). My focus is to simply always give them the support they need to succeed in the assignment presented. This includes providing process videos and tutorials for each assignment as needed. It is also important for the students to learn good habits/practices with-in the use of the programs themselves.

My approach to diversity in the classroom

Ironically at the time I am writing this, I am also listening to the news. Currently there are some very sad and unsupportive politics happening around Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). This could be hitting the students in different ways, and I want to always be sensitive to how these types of changes in the world may be affecting the students. Although I do not bring politics into the classroom, I do try and stay informed on what’s going on so I can be aware of attitudes from all directions. I personally appreciate all people from all backgrounds, social standing, sexual orientation.  We all come from different cultures, families and communities and I strive not to make assumptions about students while interacting with them. With my whole heart I want all students in my classes to feel welcome, seen and cared about.  Not only do I love to see diversity around me, but I embrace diversity for its many positive attributes. Including but not limited to its ability to bring awareness and empathy or others, as well as promoting higher levels of innovation and creativity. I feel we could all use more diversity in our lives.