Ayana Best
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Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is greatly influenced by my experiences in and out the academic classroom, and is rooted in social justice and advocacy for underrepresented communities. The primary goal of my teaching is to develop student interest in politics while using an intersectional and critical race framework. My classroom engages students by creating a safe learning environment in which students are empowered to critically challenge the world around them, enhancing substantive knowledge as well as oral and written communication skills. The primary principles of my teaching philosophy are peer to peer engagement, active participation, cultural competency, community engagement and mentoring. These are critical for students' personal and academic development, and professional skills outside of the classroom. I practice open communication with my students, clearly state my expectations from the start of the course, and provide ample opportunities for students to get assistance. Guided by these principles, I have successfully and effectively engaged students in various courses and seminars.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Adjunct Professor, Fordham University, Department of Political Science 
  • Political Science 4620: Sex, Sexuality and Politics, Spring 2021
Teaching Assistant, USC, Department of Political Science
  • International Relations 211: International Relations Approaches to Research, Spring 2021
  • Political Science 130: Law Politics and Public Policy, Fall 2019
  • Fall 2020 Political Science 110: Ideology and Conflict, Spring 2020
Teaching Assistant, University of Michigan, Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) 
  • Race, Ethnicity, & Quantitative Methods, Summer 2019
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