My approach to teaching & learning draws first and foremost from a Freirean commitment to critical pedagogy, rooted in dialogue & praxis. I believe we all help to create and amplify the learning environment. I do lecture at times, but try to minimize my own lecturing and invite participation and reflection through deep questioning, active learning, storytelling, study of film and literature, popular education activities/games, conversations about wildlife and nature art, and field experiences. Some of my methods are adapted from strategies aimed at children, but I believe these activities can be adapted and made both fun and reflective through a shared commitment to respect and rigor. I regularly teach service-learning courses, and have partnered with two local public schools (PS17 and PS74), Buffalo Niagara Waterkeepers, the Buffalo Zoo, and others to help create mutually beneficial learning experiences. I welcome feedback at any time and I always seek to improve upon my approach to incorporating and truly valuing students’ existing knowledges and experiences.

Teaching schedule:

Starting in the 2018-2019 academic year, I will teach one class each semester in the undergraduate ABEC program and two classes each semester in the graduate Anthrozoology program. During summers of odd-numbered years, I also lead a field study course in Costa Rica, for which students are enrolled in the Fall for course credit.