Teaching
I have three primary objectives as an instructor of political science courses: to develop a knowledge base in American government and critical thinking skills which will serve students through decades of engaged citizenship; to help students understand the manifold ways in which politics affects society; and to create a welcoming classroom environment where students of diverse backgrounds and worldviews can enjoy learning about political science. Over the past three years in which I have served as an instructor of record, I developed and honed the skills to achieve these goals. My teaching philosophy emphasizes student engagement and active learning in the classroom, lectures which link academic theories to salient real-world examples, assignments that foster students’ intellectual growth through nuanced, analytical thinking, and course materials which illustrate political science’s relevance to contemporary politics and society.
I am honored to have been recognized by my department for my teaching abilities. In 2024, I received the John Patrick Hagan Award for Graduate Student Teaching, which UNC's Department of Political Science bestows upon the best graduate student teacher serving as an instructor of record.
To read my full teaching statement, please click here.
For evidence of my effectiveness as a teacher, including median responses on my course evaluations and a sample of students' responses on open-ended items, please click here.
Teaching Experience:
Instructor of Record:
Political Parties and Elections (POLI 208): Fall 2021, Spring 2023, Summer 2023, Spring 2024, Summer 2024
The Presidency, Congress, and Public Policy (POLI 200): Summer 2022
Teaching Assistant:
Introduction to American Politics (POLI 100): Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022
Modern Political Thought (POLI 271): Fall 2023
Sample Syllabi: