Greetings! My name is Tanya and I use she, her pronouns. I teach for the Education department. As a graduate student, I remember feeling like “my brain was on fire” and this is ultimately what I want for my students. While setting your brain on fire is ambitious, at minimum I feel strongly about providing meaningful and engaging materials that help you to think critically and grow as both an educator and human being. I care very much about your success as a student, and as a future educator. What that means is that I am always willing to work with you, and make myself readily available via text, zoom, and in person as need be. I give out my cell phone so that students can text me when they need to. My work as an educator is constantly evolving, right along with you. I hope to offer a space for creative co-construction of learning and collaboration!
Educators potentially have the most important job on the planet as change-makers and influencers. I will bring in voices, film and materials that help you make new connections and think about things differently. I will always ask you to connect the learning to your own life and sense of self. Educators benefit from reflecting on their own cultural self-identity, in all of it’s complexity, and especially in ways in which they may have experienced privilege. History and context are critical to our discussion as we consider US education and how it has influenced, created and perpetuated inequities in our society. I will work with you to consider, develop and practice best ways to deliver lessons and engage all kinds of learners. I hope to help you to consider whether this is the right career path for you. I definitely do not have all the answers and will make mistakes. I hope we can create a space for learning where this is OK.