Teaching
Teaching has always been at the center of my work. Before entering academia, I spent over a decade in K–12 classrooms teaching a range of social studies courses, each one shaping how I think about learning, engagement, and what it means to make content meaningful. My approach to teaching is rooted in curiosity, critical thinking, and creating spaces where students can wrestle with complex ideas—not just memorize them. Below are some of the courses I’ve taught and examples of assignments that reflect how I try to bring social studies to life.
Teaching Elementary Social Studies
SSE4313 - Elementary Social Studies Methods Course
This course focuses on how to make social studies meaningful and engaging for elementary students. We explore instructional strategies that help young learners build foundational knowledge, think critically, and develop the skills needed to understand the social world around them. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-based learning, the use of primary sources, and creating inclusive, student-centered classrooms.
Teaching Middle Grades Social Studies
SSE4333 - Middle School Social Studies Methods Course
This course examines effective approaches to teaching social studies in middle school settings. Students design and present lesson plans that incorporate diverse instructional strategies, materials, and assessments aimed at fostering critical thinking and real-world connections. The course also engages with the theoretical foundations of social studies education, alongside required fieldwork that bridges theory and practice.
