Instructor Profile

I began teaching with the TA program of CSUB in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, and graduated with my Master's degree in 2021.  Ever since, I've worked with CSUB, BC, Dodge City Community College (KS), and Navarro College (TX).  I'm constantly learning from my mentors and hoping to give back to whatever community I find myself in.  I typically focus on freshman composition and research, though I'm learning to branch out into literature as well.  I'm always up to learn from others and give what I can regarding the specialties I'm growing for myself.

I currently teach adjunct classes with Bakersfield College in addition to my full time load at Navarro.  If or when I teach an online course, anyone is welcome to observe.

I view teaching as a partnership between me and the student.  I give them instruction, guidance, and opportunities to learn, and their job is to take that information and ask questions when necessary.  I focus on skills that I believe they will need in the “Real” or “Working” world because I believe teaching should be done with purpose.  When my students are lost, I want to help lift them up again and put them in a position to resume the hard work it takes to succeed.

MLA and APA format

Composition and essay-writing

Grammar

Open choice.  The first two essays of my class come with a structure, but I build in the idea of choices early on.  By the end of the semester, they choose the topic of their argumentative essay.

Energetic engagement.  I find that students don't care unless they know that I care and am at least somewhat engaged with the topic I teach.  Because I am the age that I am, I currently have an opportunity to be energetic in both video and in-person format, and many students don't expect my style of teaching.  It can prove a little controversial for students, but the ones who stick with the class end up learning well.

Online:  Videos.  I'm almost constantly rotating my videos as I learn, so some of them are old, and some of them are new.  I'm open to both what you believe works and suggestions on what to improve.

Grammar Labs and OERs.  I prefer to create my own content based on what I notice in my students and compare it with mentors and colleagues alike.  My OERs come from https://louis.pressbooks.pub/, and I would encourage anyone to investigate the resource at their own leisure.

Fully Canvas Supported.  Because I began my career at the height of the pandemic, all of my resources can be accessed on Canvas.  If you ever want a copy of what I have to offer, it's likely in there, and I can get it to you fairly quickly.