About

What do you find most rewarding about teaching and working with students?

The most rewarding aspect of teaching is witnessing the growth and development of my students. In the classroom, it is very fulfilling when you see a struggling student begin to grasp a difficult concept or watch your students succeed beyond expectations. The results at the end of the year can be incredibly gratifying — knowing that you have played a tremendous role in helping students achieve their goals.

How do you connect with and engage students in the learning process?

To engage with students, I feel it is imperative that you work to build trust and rapport with them. Once trust is established, I try to create an environment in my classroom where students feel safe. Our classrooms are full of students with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles. Showing genuine interest in their lives, hobbies, and activities has also proven to be beneficial in terms of connecting with my students.

What do you hope students will take away from your classes or your mentorship?

In addition to academic knowledge, I hope that students can improve their critical thinking skills, curiosity, empathy, resilience, and a passion for lifelong learning. I am on the same journey as my students, so I tell them that I aim to improve in these areas well. I want my students to know that this is a partnership between them and me. I wish to instill values that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Do you have a favorite place on campus? What makes it your favorite?

My favorite place on campus is the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Athletic Center. As a football coach, this place is where I spend a lot of time with players and coaches after school and on weekends. I am very much into athletics and fitness. I spend a lot of time in the fitness center running on the treadmill during my free time to stay active. I also spend time there helping our student-athletes improve on and off the football field.