As a practitioner, I have personally witnessed the positive impact that social workers can have on empowering historically marginalized communities to achieve more equitable outcomes, thereby altering the trajectory of their families for generations. Drawing from my practice experiences, my teaching philosophy is firmly centered on instilling in my students the knowledge and skills necessary to empower clients and communities, both during their college years and in their future professional endeavors across various social work practice areas.
My background as an academic adviser for university students, case manager for community college students, college adviser for high school students, and case manager for individuals applying for Medicaid and food stamps has equipped me with a deep understanding of the challenges students face beyond the classroom. Through independently teaching bachelor and graduate social work courses at The University of Texas at Arlington and Tarleton State University, I strived to engage students in course content, foster collaboration with their peers through group projects, and integrate students into their local community.
When teaching Diverse Populations (SOCW 3303), I encouraged students to explore their backgrounds through reflections and self-assessments as well as get to know others outside the classroom through informational interviews. I firmly believe that my instructional approach enables students to gain insight into their life course, the sources of resilience in their lives, and the individuals and communities that have shaped their identities, which is crucial before they begin serving others.
In addition to inviting guest speakers, I actively encouraged students taking my Social Policy (SOCW 3306) and Human Behavior classes (SOCW 3329 & 3339) to engage within their local community by attending community forums, school board meetings, and city council sessions. By immersing themselves in the local community, students gain a deeper understanding and practical application of what they learn in the classroom. This engagement extends the learning environment beyond the confines of the classroom, providing opportunities for experiential learning and community service.
Recognizing that many graduate students bring valuable knowledge through their personal and professional experiences. For instance, when I taught Generalist Micro Practice (SOCW 5304), I incorporated class discussions to promote peer learning. For those students who may have felt hesitant about practical application, I included case studies and role-play activities, providing a secure environment for students to gain practice and receive constructive feedback. This pedagogic played a significant role in prompting my students to delve deeply into their strengths and build the confidence to serve individuals and communities.
My aim when teaching social work students is to empower them to become compassionate practitioners who confidently apply their research, theory, and practice based knowledge in various social work practice settings.
