As coordinator of first- and second-year German language courses and instructor of the teaching methodology seminar, I mentor and support graduate students during their time of developing as language teachers. In this mentorship, I aim to cultivate attitudes toward teaching that are inclusive and innovative. Together we engage in a continuous dialogue and create a set of skills and collective knowledge through class visits and consultations. Support is extended to students beyond their graduation. I mentor students who apply and interview for teaching positions. That includes support with teaching demonstrations, feedback on portfolios, and discussion of syllabus and curriculum.听
In addition to mentoring graduate students to become reflective practitioners in the field of German language teaching, I advise students as part of thesis committees on following topics:
- foreign language pedagogy (holistic approaches, full immersion, skills development, proficiency & assessment)
- applied linguistics (conversation analysis, bilingualism, language teacher education)
- literature in the context of teaching (beginning and intermediate levels of German, all genres)
- German-Americana Studies (selected time periods and groups)
- Anabaptism and Pietism in German literature
When advising undergraduate and graduate students, I aim to create a safe, challenging, and supportive learning environment. It is important to me to offer each advisee the support they need and connect them with necessary tools and resources. In advisor-advisee relationships, I value empathy, inclusivity, and shared responsibility. I seek to understand the experiences, knowledge, and emotions that impact students鈥� learning and I create a space that allows for a wide variety of ideas and perspectives. I work closely with students on their academic and professional goals and value that both parties are bringing their whole selves to this task.
As chair of a thesis committee, I meet with the student every two weeks. In the initial meeting, we discuss interests and broad topics & discourses. I advise the student on appropriate literature, IRB procedures, and additional support through outside (academic) institutions, organizations, etc. Together we set manageable deadlines for individual components of the thesis research and writing. The student gives a short progress report at each meeting, we discuss literature, and read & comment on drafts. I also advise the student on possible conferences or journals in which they can share their work with a scholarly/professional audience.
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