As an English Instructor at OCC, I see it as my role to create a student-ready, equitable learning environment that builds confidence, fosters collaboration, and cultivates an inclusive student experience. I marry the latest in educational tools and technology with a relationship-rich classroom culture to support their achievement of Common Course Outcomes. When students feel capable and heard, they engage more fully, persist through challenges, and engage in learning as a deeply personal and meaningful experience.
I take a hands-on, highly engaged approach to teaching, whether in person or online, because I know that feeling confident in one's abilities as a student can feel daunting. Often, students hesitate to express themselves fully, unsure if their ideas are “good enough” or if their voices deserve to be heard. As such, I support student success with individualized support, thoughtful feedback, and meaningful dialogue while nurturing collaboration and community in the classroom.
To that end, I design my courses to emphasize writing as a process of self-exploration, innovation, and confidence-building. I encourage students to move beyond writing what they think is expected of them and, instead, trust their own insights. Through guided reflection, one-on-one mentorship, and collaborative drafting, I help them break free from the fear of "getting it wrong" and step into a space where they can develop ideas with clarity, conviction, and depth.
My goal is not just to teach students how to write well but to empower them to engage with their communities in meaningful ways. By cultivating an inclusive, student-ready classroom that prioritizes access, collaboration, and personal growth, I help students see that their unique perspectives have value, that their voices deserve to be heard, and that they have the power to shape the world through bold, original, and confident expression.
