I currently teach in the Visual Communications Program at Cecil College in North East, Maryland. There are a number of duties, and classes associated with the position, but for the most part I’m responsible for teaching two courses;
VCP101 – an introductory photography course based in digital process, see our blog vcpnotes.com/vcp101
VCP279 – a portfolio-production course that gives graduating students the semester to complete a small body of work, and time to build an InDesign resume packet for potential job placement, or academic transfer.
In 2011-10 I was a visiting lecturer at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. During my second semester there, I published three class blogs, which you can find archived here;
ARTS-564 – Concept, Performance, and Contemporary Photography
ARTS-361 – Color and Digital Photography
ARTS-261 – Photography Survey
*if you’re on a mobile device and want to see student work, here are a few links: arts-261 Fall 2010 / Fall 2010 Final Projects / Spring 2011 / arts-361 / arts-564 / ECU
Teaching Statement
As an educator, I strive to foster creative thinking in and out of the classroom by challenging and inspiring students to use photography as a tool of visual communication. Through the use of technology, I am able to connect with students on a community level through the integration of WordPress blogs created for each class, Blackboard, and Facebook. I guide students to build an understanding of image-based concepts with theoretical reading materials, and challenge them to make meaningful work by presenting videos, lectures, and professional opportunities.
Visual literacy is a main component of my course structure. We practice speaking critically about images that appear in the public arena, and begin a visual dialogue that continues with critiques of student work throughout the semester. When technical and visual progress has been made, I move the course forward with critical readings to help shape concept and give students a base for creative departure. I think of each student as a creative entrepreneur with the responsibility and talent to create meaningful imagery.
I measure student growth through class exercises and quizzes that stress the importance of building vocabulary and learning fundamental techniques. Class discussions are centered around an artistic concept or movement and photographic technique is linked to lectures on relevant artists. To aid in student learning I record my lectures and demonstrations as pod casts or screen-casts which are then posted online for further reference.
Sophistication in each assignment is advanced by critique sessions throughout the art-making process; students propose and work through broad ideas with the help of their peers and guidance from the instructor. Writing, speaking, and looking at new student-generated artwork structures the class environment with clear expectations and provides individualized support.
I consider the instructor to be a professional role model who continually engages students and leads by example both within and outside of the classroom. My goal as an educator is to assist and guide students to becoming productive, responsible, and articulate image-makers.
