Teaching Philosophy
Teaching for Transformation and Action
I am a passionate educator with over a decade of experience, dedicated to fostering critical thinkers and bold leaders who drive change. My approach to teaching is rooted in collaboration and innovation, where we co-create, challenge societal norms, and work toward a more just and equitable future.
In my classrooms, learning goes beyond textbooks—it is hands-on, community-based, and impact-driven. Through participatory action research methodology, learners take action, reflect, and lead. Together, we amplify voices and solve real-world challenges.
Teaching, for me, is a shared journey—dynamic, reflective, and deeply connected to the world. I learn as much from my students as they do from me, keeping our classroom alive, relevant, and meaningful.
Academic Positions
Assistant Teaching Professor, Arizona State University, LEAD/Success by Design, University College, 2024 - Present
Teaching Faculty and Program Design Team Leader, Hebrew Union College, DeLeT Master of Art in Teaching, College of Education, 2021 - Present
Adjunct Instructor, University of Cincinnati, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, 2016 - 2023
Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Cincinnati, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, 2016 - 2020
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Cincinnati and Mandel Teacher Educator Institute through the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation, 2018 - 2022
Research Assistant, Indiana University for the Association for Practical & Professional Ethics, 2013 - 2014
Higher Education Teaching
Courses at the Undergraduate Level:
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UNI110 Critical Thinking and Reasoning (Fall 2024, three sections, in-person) Arizona State University
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UNI220 Mindset Connections (Fall 2024, one section, in person) Arizona State University
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EDST1001 Introduction to Education (Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, two sections each semester, in person) University of Cincinnati
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EDST110 Student Teaching Field Placement (Spring 2015, Fall 2016) University of Cincinnati
Courses at the Masters Level:
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MAT630 Practitioner Research I (Fall 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, one section each semester, online) Hebrew Union College
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MAT631 Practitioner Research II (Spring 2022, 2023, one section each semester, online) Hebrew Union College
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EDST8073 Master’s Capstone Project in Educational Studies (Summer 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, one section each semester, online) University of Cincinnati
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DAAP5110 Visual Arts Education I (Fall 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, one section each semester, in person) University of Cincinnati
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DAAP7002 Visual Arts Research Methods (Summer 2021 in-person) University of Cincinnati
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EDST7043 Practitioner Action Research I (blended learning) as Teaching Assistant to Dr. Miriam Raider-Roth University of Cincinnati
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EDST7053 Practitioner Action Research II (in-person) as Teaching Assistant to Dr. Miriam Raider-Roth University of Cincinnati
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EDST7040 Relational Cultural Theory (in-person) as Teaching Assistant to Dr. Miriam Raider-Roth University of Cincinnati
Courses at Post-Secondary Level:
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Teacher Action Research Certification (Summer 2017, in person for in-service teachers), University of Cincinnati
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MDL6030 Middle Childhood Social Studies Certificate (Summer 2016, online), University of Cincinnati
Program Development
Interdisciplinary Studies Program, EXPLORE, University College, Arizona State University (2024 - Present). Leading the development of a three-course strand in Reflective Practice, focused on building students’ skills in self-reflection and practitioner inquiry. Simultaneously integrating reflective practice across the entire interdisciplinary curriculum, ensuring continuous, intentional reflection in every course. Overseeing the piloting and refinement of these courses to enhance critical thinking, self-assessment, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
Program Design Team Leader, DeLeT Master’s in Art of Teaching, Hebrew Union College (2021 - Present). Led the design and implementation of the DeLeT Master’s in Art of Teaching program, focusing on innovative, research-based curriculum development that integrates critical pedagogy and social justice education. Guided the first cohort of students through to graduation in Summer 2021, ensuring the program met rigorous academic standards and aligned with the mission of preparing educators to lead in diverse, inclusive learning environments.
Practitioner Inquiry I & II, Hebrew Union College (2021-2022). Developed and taught a two-part course series focused on reflective practice and action research for in-service educators. The courses guided teachers through identifying classroom challenges, conducting inquiry projects, and using qualitative research to improve their teaching practices. Culminated in a final project where educators presented research findings that demonstrated the impact of their inquiry on student learning and classroom practice.
Director of Curriculum & Evaluation, Bring Breakthrough Home: Remote Learning Program, Breakthrough Cincinnati (2020). Led the design and evaluation of the "Bring Breakthrough Home" remote learning program, ensuring continuity of educational equity and excellence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Developed and implemented a comprehensive, project-based curriculum tailored for remote delivery, focusing on student engagement, academic rigor, and socio-emotional support. Evaluated program outcomes to optimize learning experiences and ensure accessibility for students of color and first-generation college-bound students.
EDST1001 Introduction to Education (Fall 2016, Spring 2017) - Redesigned the course to include a partnership with Evanston Academy, providing preservice teachers with classroom experience prior to student teaching. Coordinated field placements and hands-on experience for students, and integrated a service-learning component. Mentored undergraduate students and enhanced the course to ensure practical, community-engaged learning opportunities for elementary and secondary teacher candidates. University of Cincinnati.
Public Teaching & Educational Leadership Positions
Director of Creative Design & Impact, ish, a cultural arts nonprofit in Cincinnati, OH, 2021 - 2023
Led the Teen Think Tank, a youth-driven initiative that harnessed the power of youth participatory action research and the creative arts to empower a diverse cohort, including Latine/X, LGBTQIA+, Multifaith, and BIPOC youth. Teens designed and executed over 60 projects, addressing critical issues such as mental health, identity exploration, and social justice.
Spatial Play and Learning Design Consultant, the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center, Unmuseum, in Cincinnati, OH, 2019 - 2020
Partnered with architects and museum personnel to conceptualize and execute the interior design of a premier children's museum in downtown Cincinnati.
Playful Learning Educational Consultant, University of Cincinnati’s College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 2020
Designed and implemented a play-based wellness workshop to enhance stress management and resilience among OBGYN residents.
6th-9th Grade Assessment and Evaluation Consultant, Breakthrough Collaborative (National), 2019
Designed Language Arts, Reading, and Literacy authentic assessments for project-based learning evaluation.
Co-Founder & Director of the Digital Playscape, a free STEM/STEAM learning center in Cincinnati, OH, 2019
Free immersive art installation in downtown Cincinnati; Merging art, technology, and play in Cincinnati, empowering educators with AI and augmented reality to ignite learner creativity and curiosity.
Director of Curriculum & Evaluation, Breakthrough Cincinnati, an educational nonprofit in Cincinnati, OH, 2016 - 2021
Developed and implemented project-based curricula focused on educational equity, including themes of identity, empowerment, social justice, decolonial and intersectional literacy, STEM/STEAM education, and professional development for undergraduate preservice teaching fellows.
STEM/STEAM Educational Consultant, the University of Cincinnati’s High School Scholars Academy, Cincinnati, OH, 2016 - 2017
Developed and implemented STEM/STEAM curricula for high-achieving high school students in a dual-enrollment program. Provided guidance on integrating advanced science and technology concepts with hands-on, project-based learning activities. Collaborated with university faculty to ensure alignment with college-level expectations, fostering a seamless transition from high school to higher education in STEM/STEAM fields.
Associate Preschool Teacher, Inclusive Specialist, at University of Cincinnati, the Arlitt Center for Education, Research, and Sustainability, Cincinnati, OH, 2014 - 2016
Oversaw student teaching placements and mentored preservice teachers in implementing inclusive educational practices within an urban multilingual and multicultural preschool setting. Developed and applied individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with diverse needs, ensuring a supportive, inclusive learning environment. Conducted action research projects to enhance inclusive practices and contributed to the center's sustainability initiatives through innovative early childhood education strategies.
Summer ESL Elementary Teacher, Aliza Begin Elementary School, Migdal HaEmek, Israel, 2014
Taught English as a Second Language to elementary school students in a multicultural and multilingual environment. Designed and delivered interactive lessons that incorporated cultural elements to enhance language acquisition. Collaborated with local teachers to adapt curriculum materials and create an engaging, supportive learning environment for students.
K-5 Severe & Profound Self-Contained Special Education Teacher and Special Education Department Chair, Dawson Elementary School, Scotland Neck, NC, through Teach For America, 2011 - 2013
Provided specialized instruction to students with severe and profound disabilities in a self-contained classroom, focusing on individualized education plans (IEPs) and tailored interventions. As Special Education Department Chair, led a team of educators in developing and implementing inclusive practices across the school. Secured funding for classroom resources and advocated for students' needs within the broader school community, contributing to overall improvements in special education services.