Over the years, I have enjoyed incorporating innovative and effective pedagogical approaches into my teaching repertoire, and I continue to place a high priority on staying current with proven practices. I employ a variety of process-oriented exercises and strategies designed to promote critical reading and writing skills. My approach is deeply informed by constructivism, and in my classroom I stress that the writing process actually involves the making of meaning rather than attaching words to preconceived notions. By extension, reading is best taught in conjunction with writing, as the two processes inform one another.
Learning must take place in an environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas, so I strive to create an ambiance of trust, respect, and appreciation that allows students and staff to interact in a caring manner. Academic excellence is not attained without rigor, and I ask students to set high expectations for themselves as they grow, experiment, and learn. Ultimately, I feel it is my responsibility to help prepare young people to be successful and responsible citizens, both in and out of the classroom.