Biography
As far back as I can remember, I have always championed the causes of others. One could say that this is a direct result of growing up during the 60’s and 70’s and being exposed to racial and social inequities. Through the years, my relationship with phenomenal teachers and mentors have provided me with guidance, direction, and inspiration that has ultimately led to who I am today. As a social work educator who is also a social justice activist, a change agent, and a cultural competency proponent, I provide a voice to those who feel as though they don’t have one. I stand in the throes with others advocating for social and economic injustices experienced by many, including myself. Choosing to effectuate change through the articulation of words that provide powerful imaginary to humanize and actualize the emotions, grievances and fears of others affords me the opportunity to narrate authentic stories in a classroom setting. Understanding one’s lived realities from their perspective opens the door for meaningful dialogues that bring about an awareness and a sense of inclusiveness, instead of exclusiveness.
My teaching philosophy has evolved from a traditional teacher-centered delivery of instruction to a more multidimensional approach that is student-centered. Incorporating a student-centered framework in the classroom setting allows for the distinct learning needs, interests, aspirations, or cultural backgrounds of individual students and/or groups of students to be addressed. The use of varied pedagogical strategies helps to create an environment where students feel comfortable and can become active and engaged learners. As a social work educator, students are encouraged to critically think about the way problems and solutions are socially constructed within various practice settings through public and political discourse. By providing a transformative learning environment that focuses on the ethics and professional values of social work, students can understand and illustrate key concepts and strategies that are necessary in becoming lifelong learners outside of the classroom setting.
