Teaching Philosophy
There are many ways to teach - but my favorite is project based learning - because I selfishly get to learn too.
- Project-Based Learning: Emphasizing hands-on, real-world projects that allow students to apply their skills in practical contexts. Each project serves as a learning journey, combining guided problem solving with a high dose of personal vision.
- Student Ownership: Creating an environment where students take full ownership of their work and learning process. This includes setting personal goals, managing project timelines, and developing their unique creative voice. By the end of our time together, each student should have something tangible to share - whether it's a personal website, a portfolio of work, or a live project they can showcase to potential employers or educational institutions.
- Iterative Development: Teaching through rapid prototyping and continuous feedback cycles. Students learn to refine their work through multiple iterations, incorporating feedback and improving their designs through an interactive development process.
I have found that this approach helpful for students to develop both technical proficiency and creative confidence, preparing them for real-world challenges in digital media and technology.
Teaching Experience
Choate Rosemary Hall (2023)
Position: Adjunct Professor
Courses Taught:
- Filmmaking II
- Digital Photography I
- Digital Photography II
Developed and implemented curriculum for digital filmmaking and photography courses. By the end of the semester, students created original artwork and film and created a portfolio piece to share.
SUNY New Paltz (2019-2022)
Position: Adjunct Professor
Taught courses in website development using Wix. Students focused primarliy on the design - colors - theory - and created their own unique business brand and pretended as if it was real.
Jacob Burns Film Center (2016-2018)
Position: Adjunct Professor
Instructed students in film production and digital media, with a focus on storytelling and technical proficiency.
Workspace Academy (2017)
Position: Adjunct Professor
Led courses in virtual reality where students created their own unique virtual reality experiences using Unreal Engine. Students also learned conditional logic and coding through the use of blueprints.
Public Library Programs (2015-Present)
Positions: Digital Media Instructor
Locations:
- Ridgefield Library
- Yonkers Library
- Sleepy Hollow Library
- New Haven Library
- Bethel Library
Developed and led workshops in digital media, coding, and creative technology for diverse age groups. Created accessible programs that introduced community members to digital tools and creative expression.
After-School Programs (2015-Present)
Positions: Technology & Media Instructor
Led multiple after-school programs across Connecticut and New York, teaching digital media production, coding, and creative technology to K-12 students. Focused on project-based learning and hands-on experience with modern digital tools.