To whom it may concern,
Thank you for looking over my application materials for the Stanley Hauer Teaching Award. Teaching is very important to me, and I'm honored to be considered for the award.
During the time I've taught at the University of Southern Mississippi, I have strived to learn more about teaching and pedagogical theories to become a better teacher. Having the opportunity to teach many different classes, as outlined on my syllabus list, helps me become a better instructor; however, what has likely taught me the most was my involvement with the Course Contract Workshops last year. As stated in my teaching philosophy, students taking ownership of their own work and writing is very important to me, and I believe by reflecting on course contracts and my expectations for students, I was able to better assess how to accomplish this goal. Teaching is always a learning process, and I'm hoping that I get better at it with every passing year. I never want to be complacent because there are always ways in which one can reach more students more effectively.
On this website, you will find my current Curriculum Vitae and my Teaching Documents. If you follow the teaching link, you will see I have included syllabi from all courses I have previously taught, which I hope will demonstrate my enthusiasm for trying new methods in the classroom to get students interested and invested in learning. I have also included a selection of assignments that I believe best demonstrate my pedagogical philosophy that creativity and ownership of one's work should be central components of any writing course. Finally, there are links to my grade contract and to my student evaluations. I hope you find these documents helpful in evaluating my work as an instructor.
As teaching is my passion, winning this award would be extremely meaningful for me.. Even if I am not chosen for this award, I know that your feedback will also help me become a more effective instructor. I am grateful that you have taken the time to look over my teaching documents, and I look forward to hearing your response.
Thank you,
Emily Martin
During the time I've taught at the University of Southern Mississippi, I have strived to learn more about teaching and pedagogical theories to become a better teacher. Having the opportunity to teach many different classes, as outlined on my syllabus list, helps me become a better instructor; however, what has likely taught me the most was my involvement with the Course Contract Workshops last year. As stated in my teaching philosophy, students taking ownership of their own work and writing is very important to me, and I believe by reflecting on course contracts and my expectations for students, I was able to better assess how to accomplish this goal. Teaching is always a learning process, and I'm hoping that I get better at it with every passing year. I never want to be complacent because there are always ways in which one can reach more students more effectively.
On this website, you will find my current Curriculum Vitae and my Teaching Documents. If you follow the teaching link, you will see I have included syllabi from all courses I have previously taught, which I hope will demonstrate my enthusiasm for trying new methods in the classroom to get students interested and invested in learning. I have also included a selection of assignments that I believe best demonstrate my pedagogical philosophy that creativity and ownership of one's work should be central components of any writing course. Finally, there are links to my grade contract and to my student evaluations. I hope you find these documents helpful in evaluating my work as an instructor.
As teaching is my passion, winning this award would be extremely meaningful for me.. Even if I am not chosen for this award, I know that your feedback will also help me become a more effective instructor. I am grateful that you have taken the time to look over my teaching documents, and I look forward to hearing your response.
Thank you,
Emily Martin