What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is one that education is an exploration and analysis of the subject matter in a forum that allows for all of the stakeholders to further their knowledge contribute to the field of study. It is through this exchange, growth, and development emerges. As educators, there is a continuous cycle of professional enrichment in which those elements acquired are transmitted into the learning process in the classroom. Presenting material in an innovative and interdisciplinary manner increases the enthusiasm for the learner. The role of an educator is that of facilitator and guide in through the journey of knowledge, learners have the responsibility for their own learning. That process should include enjoyment and curiosity on the part of the learner via different learning styles so as to reach every individual. Creating a climate that will result in that outcome becomes part of professional self-evaluation and analysis on how one is approaching the subject matter. One must encourage students to make further inquiry and understand elements that comprise the global community in which there will be entrusted. Actively engaging in the practice of the subject matter, so as to learn to think outside of the box, experiencing the knowledge as it pertains to the global community that the students will be encountering in the future. Students need to take on the responsibility of their own learning with the assistance of the professor who will question and provoke them to investigate other avenues, including how the subject matter relates to other disciplines. During my undergraduate work at St. John's University the education that was imparted was very well rounded. As a result of that experience, it forged my teaching philosophy that was further enhanced via my studies at New York University, Universidad de Salamanca and the Universidad de León. All the institutions have an emphasis on academic excellence, the importance of a global perspective, and educating students not only in the subject matter but also as individuals. It is has been my belief that it is imperative that one contributes to the profession. This is done by maintaining high standards and contribution via my services as an evaluator, reviewer, and researcher. My mission in life is to be an educator that holds high standards coupled with compassion, understanding, and going beyond the expectations that are required in order to assist students with their varied learning styles. In that same line it is the enrichment and re-evaluation of one’s own growing knowledge base and accommodation plus flexibility on the teaching style that one is accustomed to.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

Get to know the student's goals and objectives. Do an assessment of the skills and set forth a goal for the upcoming sessions.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Give them projects that they will present to me that will piggyback on the material that they need to acquire.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

Use a different approach and present the material in a format that is more palatable.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

Work with them on building their self-confidence with activities that surround the reading comprehension.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

Putting the student at ease that it is their skills that will be worked on at their speed. Set goals that are reasonable and obtainable.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

Showing a connection to their life and the skill set that are the foundation for acquiring the information.