Teaching Philosophy

Curiosity, stewardship, and discernment define my philosophy of teaching. I regard communication as the intellectual practice where people construct knowledge, negotiate difference, and participate in public life. Accordingly, my pedagogy asks students to cultivate curiosity by approaching unfamiliar ideas with a willingness to reconsider their assumptions. I encourage stewardship by recognizing that education carries a responsibility to contribute to the intellectual growth of others and to the communities in which they live and work. Finally, I encourage discernment by strengthening students’ capacity to interpret arguments, evaluate evidence, and exercise rhetorical judgment. I aim to cultivate thoughtful individuals who understand that communication shapes how we learn, deliberate, build relationships, and assume responsibility within a democratic society.