My teaching is framed by the transformational learning theory which focuses on students becoming knowing participants in the learning process. Students’ personal experiences are an important part of the learning process and the learners’ application of the new knowledge leads to a change in behavior and mindset. Transformational learning is an extension of constructivism which states that every learner constructs their own meaning based on the interaction of new knowledge with previous knowledge.

 

I teach both online courses and in person courses in the Doctorate program and the Superintendent Certification program. When I design learning for both formats, I include activities in a variety of formats which include paper submissions, data analysis projects, relevant videos and journal articles for discussion, and text readings. In addition, various experts present and interact with the students such as superintendents, attorneys, architects, financial investors, and authors. These sessions are provided to the in person classes, and a zoom link is offered so that students in the online classes can join in the presentation and discussion with the experts.

 

I teach three courses per semester which includes a section of EDAD 718. I have taught two of the core courses and all superintendent certification electives in the doctorate program. I have taught four courses in the Master’s program as well. When teaching in either program, I bring my practitioner’s experience into the design and activities in the course. As the Superintendent Program coordinator, I use a team approach with the other three faculty who teach in this program. Together, we analyze our student certification data and update/change our courses based on the needs of the students and the certification rate. As a co-coordinator for the Doctorate program, I am working with the Educational Leadership Department head and fellow co-coordinator to provide accurate, timely information to the doctoral students as well as to the faculty. I serve as the course lead for one doctorate course (EDAD 641) and three superintendent certification courses (EDAD 620, 627, and 651). As the Educational Leadership faculty work to incorporate the CPED (Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate) model into our doctoral program, I look forward to participating in discussions regarding curricular changes and adjustments to the program.

 

As part of my teaching assignment, I teach one section of EDAD 718 each semester. I have had seven students graduate from the EdD program and will have one more graduate in May 2024. In addition, I have served on ten other dissertation committees both inside our department and outside of our department. Currently, I am chairing eight students in my EDAD 718 course, and I have six curriculum advisees in the doctorate program. I am also serving as the curriculum advisee for 16 superintendent certification students.

 

Teaching in both the online setting and in the face to face setting has allowed me to design instructional activities that challenge students and engage them in the learning. My goal is to create dynamic relationships with students in order to share a  body of knowledge which allows our students to become scholar practitioners.