Teaching and Mentoring Style / Philosophy:

Three notes strategically placed in my office guide my teaching. The first one reads:

“Start the day with a smile.”

The second note reads:

“Poor teaching stifles, deadens and destroys whatever curiosity and enthusiasm students may bring to their studies!!! Its damage can be permanent!!!”

The third note reads:

“Provide a structure, initiate a dialogue, provide new standards of excellence and a sense of style.”

These simple statements are my reminders to enter my classroom always in an “upbeat” frame of mind because it spills over into my lectures and envelops the spirit of the class. Secondly, I must always strive to create a learning environment that initiates, stimulates and perpetuates interest, creativity, motivation and an interest and desire in the students that extend beyond the classroom. Toward this end, and as an adjunct to my teaching philosophy/style, at the onset and throughout any given course, students are provided tools for developing and practicing good studying habits and for acquiring good time management skills. In the process, they tend to set standards of excellence for themselves. My mentoring philosophy is simple. I try my best to let there be no doubt that I care. I am open, honest and available when needed. By example, the rest falls into place. I believe that teaching and mentoring are two sides of the same coin. When properly applied, the collateral impact on learning outcomes is unsurpassed. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that being a good listener does wonders for being a more effective teacher & mentor.