Teaching Philosophy

self-knowledge | interdisciplinary | inclusive

My teaching philosophy is centered around the tension between theory and praxis in relationship to self-inquiry. Rather than content mastery, my approach emphasizes the ability to test an idea as a critical frame by applying that frame through writing, discussion, collaboration, and performance. My work then is to scaffold this experience for students to explore and experiment with new or unfamiliar ideas, and to deconstruct them in a multi-dimensional way. As interpretive modalities, theatre and performance hold a vast range of meanings while using interdisciplinary methods of production that have a rich application to contemporary life, learning, and knowledge generation. Using diverse objects of analysis of a particular context from a wide range of disciplines such as visual art, music, poetry, film, etc., I find that students with a wide range of learning styles are able to better synthesize the contexts surrounding critical texts, histories, and methodologies.

My teaching also seeks to decenter traditional canons and lineages in academia and professional training. Exposing students to diverse representation and influences are paramount to rich, unique, and innovative learning and knowledge creation. However, with the work of decentering whiteness and heteronormativity, I must emphasize my initial point. These hegemonic structures and ways of thinking cannot be flattened and made more inclusive without the consistent cultivation of environments and practices that guide students toward the difficult work of understanding themselves. This is everyone’s work no matter their race, gender, sexuality, class, or ability. The work to end all discriminative practices is dependent upon understanding one’s own practice and having self-awareness that is empathetic towards others, cultivates a more sober understanding of reality, and strengthing healthy egos. Through this knowledge, I desire that my students shine in the confidence of their own power, grace, and integrity. This is the heart of my own practice and is what I intend to demonstrate with my students.