As part of my professional development in teaching Introduction to Sociology at the university level, I have completed a two-part teaching internship series under the mentorship of Dr. Maura Ryan Bernales (she/her), Principal Senior Lecturer and Director of Instruction in the Department of Sociology at Georgia State University, and Monisha Jackson (she/her), Acting Teaching Associate. This graduate internship program provided me with the unique opportunity to learn pedagogical expertise before entering the classroom and teach an undergraduate course while receiving individualized observations, constructive feedback, and mentoring. In addition to classroom visits, I participated in weekly seminars with my peers, where we engaged in discussions about teaching strategies, challenges, and successes. This collaborative environment allowed me to refine my pedagogical skills and develop effective solutions for managing large classes of around 50 students. Through this experience, I gained valuable insights into the complexities of teaching at the university level, enhancing my preparedness for facilitating large, dynamic classrooms while fostering student engagement and success.
Through my engagement in the graduate Feminist Pedagogy course at Georgia State University, I deepened my understanding of anti-oppressive and liberatory teaching practices grounded in feminist and critical pedagogical traditions under the supervision of Dr. Julie Kubala. Guided by essential works like Pedagogy of the Oppressed and Teaching to Transgress, I developed the ability to create inclusive and dynamic classroom environments, including strategies for fostering meaningful discussions and addressing challenges in teaching. This experience shaped my teaching philosophy, preparing me to approach university-level instruction with an emphasis on equity, collaboration, and social justice.
Course: Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 1101) under the discretion of Dr. Sarah Friedman (she/her):
As the Teaching Assistant for this asynchronous online course during the 2024 spring semester, I supported students by supervising and grading low-stakes assignments, responding promptly to emails, and fostering engagement with course concepts. I applied my strong understanding of sociological theories and methods to evaluate students' work effectively, providing constructive feedback that enhanced their learning experience. My role emphasized clear communication, empathy, and ensuring students could connect course material to real-world contexts, aligning with the learning outcomes outlined in the syllabus
Course: Sex and Society (SOCI 3156/WGSS 3150) under the discretion of Dr. Sonny Nordmarken (he/him):
As the primary grader for multiple sections of the Sexuality and Society online course at Georgia State University from spring to fall 2023, I assessed assignments on key topics including LGBTQ+ history, queer theory, and reproductive justice. This role required a strong understanding of these subjects to evaluate students' analytical writing, critical thinking, and application of sociological concepts. I provided consistent, constructive feedback to help students engage thoughtfully with complex material, while upholding rigorous academic standards.
Course: Introduction to Social Problems (SOCI 1101) under the discretion of Lashanah Thomas-Walker, MA (she/her):
I had the opportunity to guest lecture on a student research project focused on social problems affecting Georgia State University students. In collaboration with the librarian, I helped develop students understanding of the process of conducting literature reviews and applying research methods to relevant topics, such as gentrification, food deserts, work-life balance, campus accessibility, racism, and experience of homelessness. I assisted students in understanding how to identify credible sources and effectively integrate these into their research, fostering their critical thinking and analytical skills.
Courses: Problems of Law Enforcement & Crime Victims and Victim’s Rights under the discretion of Dr Brandie Pugh (she/her)
Under the mentorship of Dr. Pugh, I completed an independently directed reading course, which led to the creation of two comprehensive lesson plans for her upper-division undergraduate courses. In the Problems of Law Enforcement course, I guest lectured on hate crimes, exploring their historical context and the urgent need for addressing this type of crime. The lecture specifically focused on the treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals by law enforcement, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, such as implicit biases and prejudice. I also provided practical strategies for hate crime victims, underscoring the importance of reporting incidents and seeking appropriate support. In my lesson plan for Dr. Pugh’s Crime Victims and Victims' Rights course, I addressed the negative impacts and preventative measures related to sexual grooming of adolescents, youth, and young adults. I guided students in developing critical literature on the subject, contrasting online and localized grooming tactics, and fostering their understanding of proactive harm reduction strategies.