Teaching experience & philosophy

During the archival phase of my research, I read a town report from 1962 where a New Hampshire school superintendent defended the value of education not just for individual benefit, but to assist future citizens to “add to the general welfare” and “be able to live well with his [sic] fellows so that life shall mean no less, and may mean more to his fellows because he is one of them,” the highest purpose of education being “for the benefit of both the individual and the group” and “good citizenship.” This emphasis on service is why I teach.

At the University of Washington, I have served as the lead instructor for three courses and as a teaching assistant for ten additional courses. In recognition of my work as an educator, I was awarded the 2026 Oustanding Graduate Student Teaching Award. Before my PhD, I earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and taught high school social studies, where I received commendations for my teaching and inclusive, rigorous, civic pedagogy.

The University of Washington is a majority-minority institution, and I taught at a rural Title-I high school— I have successfully educated students across wide demographic differences. I challenge students to think beyond their pre-conceived notions. I scaffold to encourage discussion and deliberation in my classroom, teaching students to consider diverse ideas and arguments. I center content in my teaching and encourage creative application thereof. Education is a pathway to better, fulfilling lives. Pedagogy is central to my calling as an academic.