As an instructor, Kirsten seeks to build on an educational foundation for her students. She also seeks to help encourage her students to view the world from other perspectives. Her teaching philosophy speaks on using a strengths based approach. She wants to use a positive approach to relating to her students and encouraging them down the path of pursuing social work.

            Teaching traditionally represents the passing of ideas or principles from an authoritative individual (teacher) to those learning (student). However, it is important to remember that learning takes many forms, and everyone should serve in the role of student as much as they can. Even though a teacher may serve in a continuous position of authority, it is important to remember that teachers can learn just as much from their students as the students learn from them.

            Learning is not complete when an individual receives a degree. Learning is a lifelong experience of expanding knowledge and developing skillsets. Everyone, including the teacher, has much to learn with every opportunity of a class.

            Just as every student’s experiences have formed them as students, Kirsten’s experiences have informed her teaching and learning positions and encouraged the growth and development of her teaching philosophy to help students and others understand how that growth and development has framed how she approaches education.

Courses Taught