Teaching Experience

Teaching Philosophy

My role as a teacher is to guide students in such a way that they are able to use their critical thinking skills, knowledge, observations and curiosity to investigate both technical (e.g. mineral identification in thin section) as well as open-ended (e.g. ‘how’ and ‘where’ might a rock have formed? What does it tell us about the larger-scale tectonic setting of their formation?) questions as independent scientists. I work under the guide that students come from different and unique backgrounds, all learn in different and equally valid ways, and that they experience relevance in course material through a diversity of lenses. My job then is to present information in a way that will make learning and growth accessible, engaging, and meaningful to all students. At the forefront of my teaching is the belief that all students are capable scientists, and that the background they bring into the classroom, in the lab and in the field has something unique and valuable to contribute.

In my teaching, I prioritize in-class interactions and exchange to guide student learning, and am interested in developing small-group activities and discussions to drive concept-learning, starting from a likely familiar place or experience to lead into teaching new concepts. I like to use many types of resources - e.g. visual resources, animated/interactive diagrams, videos, reading-focused resources, etc. - so that each student can find what works best for them. I encourage students to reach out with any questions related to course content, learning strategies, and accommodations that may work for them especially for lab-oriented courses.

Other Teaching Experience

Introductory Geology – Field Teaching Assistant (Smith College, MA | Fall 2015 | ESCI 101)

Petrology – Guest Lecturer (Smith College, MA | Spring 2016 | ESCI 222)

Jacobson Center for Writing, Teaching & Learning – Intermediate & Advanced Tutor, French Department (Smith College, 2012-2015)
CRLA International Tutor Training Program Certification Level I Certification, May 2015