Teaching Philosophy
In teaching writing, my philosophy centers on the belief that pedagogy is a fusion of knowledge and techniques learned, created, and borrowed from fellow educators and students. It is a toolkit we, as teachers, draw upon to impart knowledge and skills to our students; however, the true art lies in discerning which tool is most appropriate for each student. The key to successful education is individualization of instruction. To excel as a teacher, one must resist the “one-size-fits-all” approach and treat every student as unique with distinct needs, desires, and curiosities.
The foundation of nurturing writers rests on creating a safe haven where every student feels intellectually and emotionally connected. This type of instruction is built on the belief that every student has a voice with something significant to say, and their words are worth hearing. This emphasis on the individual fosters diversification, enables student choice, promotes self-motivation, and encourages curiosity.
In introductory composition classes, the ultimate objective is to instill a love for writing that extends beyond the pursuit of grades. This love is the foundation upon which many other academic courses are built. As such, units must be highly engaging and foster active participation. It is essential to my philosophy that the curriculum includes the pedagogical approaches of backward design, real-world applications, student choice, collaborative writing, and diverse mentor texts.
To create this space, the instructor must transcend the traditional role of lecturer at the front of the classroom and relinquish some of that power to students. This happens through modeling recursive writing and providing a secure space for students to explore innovative ideas and discover their voice as writers. Instructors should be authentic, knowledgeable, and passionate about their subject matter. Effective writing instructors should have a deep-seated belief that anyone can be a writer; they just have to choose to be one.
Instructors must include time for themselves as writers and embrace writing as lifelong learners. Effective writing instructors should be actively involved with writing projects of their own, whether through participating in writing groups, publishing personal projects, journaling, or participating in workshops and classes by renowned authors. Moreover, an avid passion for reading and writing is the cornerstone of being an exceptional composition instructor, enriching one’s toolkit of pedagogical techniques.
Curriculum Vitae
Classes Taught
College
Introduction to Composition
Critical Reading and Writing
Introduction to Public Speaking
High School
Theatre Arts 1,2,3,4,and 4 Honors
Technical Theatre
Photojournalism/ Yearbook
Speech and Communication
Creative Writing
English 9, 10, 11, 12
Evening School of Excellence
Summer Academy Instructor
Homebound Instructor
Awards
REB AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE
Community Foundation
Richmond, VA / November 2016
HENRICO TOP 20 TEACHERS
Henrico Citizen
Henrico, VA/ May 2022
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Honors & Memberships
The George Bernard Shaw Society
Sigma Tau Delta
National Society of Leadership and Success
Educational Theatre Association
Virginia Theatre Association
International Thespian Society Sponsor
Quill and Scroll Sponsor
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Education
A.A.S. Education (2001)
New River Community College
Dublin, VA
B.S. English Education (2004)
B.S. Theatre (2004)
Radford University
Radford, VA
M.A. English (2022)
M.A. Screenwriting (2024)
M.F.A Creative Writing (2026)
M.A. Communications (2026)
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
Academic Experience
2024 – current ADJUNCT PROFESSOR / Randolph Macon College
English 185 Critical Writing and Reading and Communications 210 Public Speaking
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Creating Online Canvas Courses with Original Content
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​Lecturing on Writing, Reading, and Speaking
2024 – current BOOK EDITOR / Michael Knuston
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Editing 145 Scripts and Short Stories for Publication
2023 – current ADJUNCT PROFESSOR / Brightpoint Community College
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Lecturer English 111, English 112, CST- 100 Public Speaking (Asynchronous and In-person)
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Creating Canvas Courses and original content
2023 – current WRITING TUTOR/ Tutor.com
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Tutor in Public Speaking, English Writing (College), English Literature (College), English (6-12)
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Offer edits and feedback on Asynchronous English Essays
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FBI Clearance to teach K-12 Students
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Distinguished Tutor Award
2022 – current TEACHING ASSISTANT / Southern New Hampshire University
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Mentoring current master’s students through their final capstone project and thesis in the M.A. English Program
2010 – 2024 ENGLISH AND DRAMATICS TEACHER / Henrico County Public Schools
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Maintaining discipline in the classroom while creating lesson plans aligned with curriculum objectives in an 1800+ student
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Coaching Theatre, Forensics, Yearbook, Newspaper, and Literary Magazine
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Directing and producing over seventeen different theatrical productions, including IN THE HEIGHTS, which was performed at Firehouse Theatre.
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Maintained the Activities Calendar and RSchool from 2015-2018Extensive experience operating and educating students and faculty on sound and light boards, auditorium maintenance, and technical skills.
2010 – 2024 ENGLISH AND DRAMATICS TEACHER / Henrico County Public Schools
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Maintaining discipline in the classroom while creating lesson plans aligned with curriculum objectives in an 1800+ student
-
Coaching Theatre, Forensics, Yearbook, Newspaper, and Literary Magazine
-
Directing and producing over seventeen different theatrical productions, including IN THE HEIGHTS, which was performed at Firehouse Theatre.
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Maintained the Activities Calendar and RSchool from 2015-2018Extensive experience operating and educating students and faculty on sound and light boards, auditorium maintenance, and technical skills.
2006-2009 ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / New River Stage, Blacksburg, VA
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Founding Member
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Responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, show selection, casting, direction, and performances
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Worked closely with the board to create the theatre and gain 501c3 status.
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Taught acting classes and directed summer camps for students ages 5-18.
Other Theatrical Experience
2024 Assistant Director and Dramaturg, FIREHOUSE THEATRE, Richmond, VA
2004-Current Virginia High School League Theatre and Forensics Judge, Charlottesville, VA
2022- 2023 Director of Education and Outreach, BROKEN LEG THEATER, Chester, VA
2022-2023 House Manager, PERKINSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Chester, VA
2015-2017 Board Member, FIREHOUSE THEATRE, Richmond, VA
2015 House Manager, FIREHOUSE THEATRE, Richmond, VA
2006-2009 Founding Member and Board Member, NEW RIVER STAGE, Blacksburg, VA
2006 Casting Internship, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VA and New York, NY
workshops taught
2023 YOU’RE NEXT: HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR ACTING AUDITION (Part 2) PERKINSON CENTER
2022 YOU’RE NEXT: HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR ACTING AUDITION RICHMOND PERFORMING ARTS ALLIANCE
2006-2009 MONDAYS WITH KYLA NEW RIVER STAGE, Blacksburg, VA
publications and writings
2024- QUI ESPERANZA: DREAMS OF THE DEAD
2022- QUIARA HUDES: GIVING VOICE TO THE SILENCE
2022- JAMES BALDWIN AND BROADWAY
2022- UP THE MOUNTAIN: A BOOK OF POETRY
2020- OCTAVE
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directing and producing experience
2024 WATER BY THE SPOONFUL FIREHOUSE THEATRE RICHMOND, VA
2023 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR. BROKEN LEG THEATER CHESTER, VA
2023 WIZARD OF OZ BROKEN LEG THEATER CHESTER, VA
2023 MAMMA MIA! MIDLOTHIAN HIGH SCHOOL, MIDLOTHIAN, VA
2023 CHARLOTTE’S WEB BROKEN LEG THEATER CHESTER, VA
2022 MATILDA BROKEN LEG THEATER CHESTER, VA
2022 CLUE HERMITAGE HIGH SCHOOL HENRICO, VA
2022 NIGHT OF ONE ACTS HERMITAGE HIGH SCHOOL HENRICO, VA
2021 CHECK PLEASE HERMITAGE HIGH SCHOOL HENRICO, VA
2021 PLAYWRITING EXPO HERMITAGE HIGH SCHOOL HENRICO, VA
2020 AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL, RICHMOND, VA
2020 CHICAGO (HS EDITION) HERMITAGE HIGH SCHOOL HENRICO, VA
2020 THE CASE OF MADELYN BRIKS HERMITAGE HIGH SCHOOL HENRICO, VA
2020 NIGHT OF ONE ACTS HERMITAGE HIGH SCHOOL HENRICO, VA
2019 JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH HERMITAGE HIGH SCHOOL HENRICO, VA
2019 IN THE HEIGHTS HENRICO THEATRE, HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2018 GODSPELL HENRICO THEATRE, HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2017 12 ANGRY JURORS HIGHLAND SPRINGS HIGH HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2016 A RAISIN IN THE SUN HIGHLAND SPRINGS HIGH HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2016 21 CHUMP STREET HIGHLAND SPRINGS HIGH HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2015 IN THE HEIGHTS HIGHLAND SPRINGS HIGH FIREHOUSE RICHMOND, VA
2014 YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS HIGHLAND SPRINGS HIGH HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2013 THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER HIGHLAND SPRINGS HIGH HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2013 FOOTLOOSE HIGHLAND SPRINGS HIGH, HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2013 THE APPLE HIGHLAND SPRINGS HIGH HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2012 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE HIGHLAND SPRINGS, HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2012 IT ALL ENDS HERE HIGHLAND SPRINGS, HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2011 GODSPELL HIGHLAND SPRINGS HIGH HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2010 THE INVISIBLE MAN HIGHLAND SPRINGS HIGH HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA
2009 THE FANTASTICKS NEW RIVER STAGE BLACKSBURG, VA
2008 FREE TO BE YOU AND ME NEW RIVER STAGE BLACKSBURG, VA
2008 HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL NEW RIVER STAGE BLACKSBURG, VA
2008 YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN NEW RIVER STAGE BLACKSBURG, VA
2006 HOW TO EAT LIKE A CHILD NEW RIVER STAGE BLACKSBURG, VA
2006 THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER NEW RIVER STAGE BLACKSBURG, VA
2005 INTO THE WOODS PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FARMVILLE, VA
2005 ANTIGONE PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FARMVILLE,
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FARMVILLE, VA
2004 GODSPELL TRI-SOUL PRODUCTIONS BLACKSBURG, VA
2004 12 ANGRY JURORS PULASKI HICH SCHOOL PULASKI, VA
2003 THE GIRL WHO WAS ASKED TO TURN BLUE AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL AUBURN, VA
2003 BODY TALK RADFORD UNIVERSITY RADFORD, VA
2001 GUYS AND DOLLS SUMMER MUSICAL ENTERPRISE, BLACKSBURG, VA
2000 THE PRISONER OF ZENDA, SUMMER MUSICAL ENTERPRISE, BLACKSBURG, VA
1998 HOW TO EAT LIKE A CHILD PLAYMAKERS AND COMPANY BLACKSBURG, VA
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