Pedagogy

My enthusiasm for the field of social science and the sheer joy I experience working with young people collectively factor into my decision to teach. I believe in the transformative power of a rigorous social science education to foster civic engagement, develop students’ critical thinking skills, and to build connections between the school, the student, and the community.

My academic background in the fields of ethnic studies and sociology encourages me to be thoughtful and selective about the content, texts and images I introduce into the collective learning space. I am cognizant of the ever-increasing range of needs and strengths represented in the student populations of current California classrooms, and I strive to make learning accessible to every student in my care. Outreach to students, parents and school staff is of utmost importance in getting to know students’ interests, accomplishments and prior knowledge. Being aware of the range of values, skills and experiences students bring into the classroom is critical for creating an inclusive environment where all students can feel respected, safe and represented.

In addition to my academic background, my past seven years of working with a very diverse population of teens has helped me develop an unshakable enthusiasm for teaching. In the fields of social services and education, I have connected with children whose environments and life experiences range from being supportive and nurturing to those who have experienced homelessness, violence, addiction, incarceration and abuse. These experiences have confirmed my philosophy that every single child is capable of learning, and each one possesses unique skills, interests, and strengths that make them worthy of acknowledgement and unconditional positive regard. A teacher is there to help students tap into what is already inside of them that makes them great and then help them cultivate it in service of themselves and others.

I believe that meaningful social change begins within the individual. Helping students develop a positive self-image through culturally responsive practices, like learning about and respecting their cultures and presenting content that is relevant to their experiences, will reinforce their connections to their communities. Students feeling connected to their communities is the first step to developing a sense of responsibility for protecting those communities. I hope to cultivate this sense of communal responsibility within my students through first educating and preserving the dignity of the self.