The Center for Teaching and Learning is committed to celebrating and highlighting great teaching at Boise State. No matter how small or large a teaching gesture, project, or effort may be, they all make an impact on our learning community. Every month, we are recognizing “Everyday Teaching” in our monthly newsletter. Join us in congratulating Rachel Silverman (Communication), and Matthew Stallings (Accountancy) who have been nominated for their everyday teaching. Here’s some of what the nominators said about them:
Rachel Silverman “Recently, I facilitated a reflection activity in my Organizational Communication class that tasked students to compare organizational management structures with classrooms/teachers they encountered over the past year. As I engaged with and navigated students’ responses detailing various instructors’ classroom management practices, syllabi policies, and course structures, several students shared similar responses about the effectiveness of one professor, Dr. Rachel Silverman. I did not solicit responses about any one professor; however, students’ inspired comments detailed how Rachel was an ideal instructor because she curated a classroom environment that facilitated their personal experiences and interests, uplifted their identities and experiences outside of the classroom, and encouraged students to be active agents in their learning experiences. Through her famous “daily check-ins” and casual but structured engagement strategies, Rachel cultivates a welcoming space that acknowledges their personhood and autonomy, challenges students to rise to their potential, and facilitates the application of complex rhetorical theory. Students reminisced on her inclusive and approachable teaching practices that challenged them to think, create, and materialize theoretical content that is otherwise often tired and unapproachable. As one student noted, they hope to be a leader similar to Dr. Silverman one day, one who challenges, inspires, and guides others to the finish line.”
Matthew Stallings “Matt focuses on teaching methods such as flipped classrooms, competency learning, blended courses, and online education to meet the needs of his students from multiple angles and accommodate various audiences. He uses class time effectively by facilitating student-centered, active learning through discussion, problem solving, and critical thinking exercises. In addition, he fosters an inclusive environment of mutual respect where his goal is to serve his students in a way that enhances the quality of their educational experiences and assists them on their individual journeys in life. He achieves this by learning their names, listening to their needs and concerns, providing career and life advice, and mentoring them to aid in their well-rounded development.”
Are you feeling inspired? Do you want to nominate a colleague or yourself? Learn more about “Everyday Teaching” recognition on our website and submit your nomination by filling out this short nomination form. Have questions about this opportunity? Please email Sarah Lausch at sarahlausch@boisestate.edu.