My Teaching Philosophy
Teaching has been part of me for as long as I can remember. Teaching chose me early in life and continues to shape who I am. At the heart of my philosophy is a single, guiding principle: RESPECT.
In both teaching and leadership, respect must extend in all directions: respect for differences and for similarities, respect for tradition and for change, respect for success and for failure. This mindset affirms the worth of every learner and colleague while creating space for growth and innovation. Although we may come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we share a common purpose: to learn, to grow, and to contribute to making the world better. Within this framework, we can remain committed to shared missions, visions, values, and goals while honoring the unique voices and experiences that enrich our collective journey. Education requires us to navigate uncertainty with openness and resilience. We cannot always predict the future, but we can embrace the ambiguity of the unexpected, reflect deeply, and respond strategically. Change, rather than being feared, becomes the very catalyst for discovery and progress. My role as an educator, therefore, is not only to teach content but also to model adaptability, respect, and curiosity. Through these commitments, I strive to prepare students to engage meaningfully with the complexities of an ever-changing world.
Mount Union Pride
I am especially proud of how Mount Union has evolved in its graduate programs, both across the university and within the School of Education specifically. Together, we have built, redesigned, and reimagined what graduate education can look like again and again and always with our students at the center. Our department is forward-thinking and nimble, willing to adapt to the changing needs of learners while also staying attuned to broader trends in the graduate education marketplace. This spirit of collaboration and innovation has allowed us to create programs that are not only academically rigorous, but also relevant, responsive, and deeply impactful for our students.
Why Mount Union's M.Ed. Program?
Mount Union is different from other institutions because it truly feels like a family. There is a genuine sense of care, connection, and support that extends across students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This is not a place of entitlement; instead, it is a place where grit, hard work, and the drive to continually become better define who we are. At Mount Union, achievement is earned, and success is shared.
What also sets us apart is the balance of being steeped in rich tradition while also embracing innovation. Our history grounds us, while our forward-thinking spirit pushes us to adapt and lead in an ever-changing world. That combination makes Mount Union unlike any other institution I’ve known.
Teaching at Mount Union
What appealed to me most about teaching at Mount Union is that this university has always felt like home. As an alum, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of a Mount Union education, both academically and in the deep sense of belonging and community it provides. I have long been both a literal and figurative cheerleader for Mount Union, consistently rooting for our students, faculty, staff, and athletic teams. What makes Mount Union special is its unique balance: while small in size, it is fiercely connected, with a shared commitment to working together to make a difference in the world. That spirit of collaboration, respect, and purpose has always resonated deeply with me, and it is exactly the kind of environment in which I want to teach, mentor, and contribute.