Statement of Teaching

I believe that each student constructs her/his/their own knowledge, therefore students must take ownership of learning through active involvement. Student-centered learning is at the core of my teaching philosophy, and this is evident in the classrooms that I share with students. I design lessons that involve collaborative learning, reflection, self-assessment, integration and application of knowledge, and exploration of content. The teacher should be an expert in the field, but the students should be provided with opportunities to build upon and integrate their individual experiences and knowledge in active, personal, and meaningful ways. The ultimate goal is to foster a desire for lifelong learning, and by providing experiential education through thoughtful and creative lesson planning students will be encouraged to develop curiosity. 

The role of an educator is to unsettle students by challenging them to question. When students take risks with their own learning and are provided choices, they will not only obtain new information but will ultimately learn to reflect upon their learning. A teacher should serve as a facilitator who enables students to become autonomous. Every student enters the classroom with a different set of experiences, and teachers must acknowledge this and capitalize on the rich knowledge that exists within individual learners.

I work to apply the above ideals to my own learning and I commit to reflective practice in order to engage in teaching that is contemporary, relevant, and artistic.

Undergraduate research presenters, 2015 Illinois Music Educators Conference

Concert Band and Wind Symphony Performance, 2017

Workshop with The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, 2016

Woodwind Methods class secondary instrument recital, December, 2017