Teaching
as Siegel Middle History Day advisor in 2012
Why I Teach
I became a professor because we can all do better to understand, care for, respect, and communicate with one another. Developing effective critical thinking skills as adults is central to this pursuit. Learning can make us better friends, family, colleagues, citizens, and human beings. And it can help us see how much we do not know but can devote ourselves to learning about.
This would be my perspective regardless of discipline. I just so happen to love the way literature and film tell us about ourselves in their style, content, form, and production. Creative texts touch both the head and the heart, at best encouraging compassionate growth and inspiring positive change to make the world a better place for each and all of us. I also love the study of history and culture and sharing it.
Education is a slow process involving interaction with individuals at various stages of growth and self-awareness. I value my own ongoing education, which I strive to attain in various classrooms in my life, both formal and informal. Education is an adventure, a journey, and important hard work. Learning nourishes and frustrates, builds and tears down. I value the journey my students take with me and do all I can to show compassion and care as I help them grow.
Some cherished student feedback:
I became a professor because we can all do better to understand, care for, respect, and communicate with one another. Developing effective critical thinking skills as adults is central to this pursuit. Learning can make us better friends, family, colleagues, citizens, and human beings. And it can help us see how much we do not know but can devote ourselves to learning about.
This would be my perspective regardless of discipline. I just so happen to love the way literature and film tell us about ourselves in their style, content, form, and production. Creative texts touch both the head and the heart, at best encouraging compassionate growth and inspiring positive change to make the world a better place for each and all of us. I also love the study of history and culture and sharing it.
Education is a slow process involving interaction with individuals at various stages of growth and self-awareness. I value my own ongoing education, which I strive to attain in various classrooms in my life, both formal and informal. Education is an adventure, a journey, and important hard work. Learning nourishes and frustrates, builds and tears down. I value the journey my students take with me and do all I can to show compassion and care as I help them grow.
Some cherished student feedback:
- I just wanted to write to thank you so much for this class! It has been incredibly fun and educational. I love the approach you take to teaching [...], and I wanted to send my thanks for being such a great and engaging professor. [...] I will always appreciate your teaching style, course setup, and approach to materials. It also hasn’t been lost on me how hard you strive for inclusivity in class and in course material. Thank you so much for all the effort that you put in. (2026)
- "It was a tremendous learning experience. Your passion and knowledge of the subject matter as well as the personalized instructional approach with your students help make this course very worthwhile." (2026)
- "I found your English class to be one of the best classes I have taken at MTSU. It left a major mark on my heart. I know I am a kinder and more understanding person because of it." (2023)
- "I want you to know that your class was truly enjoyable and that what you do matters. This class, your grace, your kindness… all of it has helped me this semester. I am coming out of this class a little bit of a better person because of you." (2021)
- "On a scale of Antman to Hulk, Dr. H is the Hulk of professor strengths." (2020)
- "You helped open my eyes to situations I was unaware of. You made me WOKE! Thank you." (2017)
RECENT COURSE OFFERINGS:
ENGL 2020 Themes in Literature and Culture
- Women Immigrants and the American Dream (online)
- Holocaust Survivor Literature (online)
ENGL 3885 Topics in Gender and Film: Women and Film
ENGL 4780 War and Culture: Holocaust Literature and Culture
ENGL 4860 Special Topics in Film: Film Noir
WGST 3400/
ENGL 4900 Multicultural Women's Voices (online)