Brian J Householder
Doctoral Student and GTA
Department of
Speech Communication

The University of Georgia Current
MA- Wake Forest Univeristy 2000
BA- Humboldt State University 1998

Teaching Philosophy

This document outlines the fundamental principles that guide my teaching efforts. Before addressing specific aspects of my teaching, it is important to understand a few basic assumptions I hold regarding instruction in the academy. First, teaching is a sacred profession. Elements of ritual, respect, and passion should ground ones teaching efforts. Teaching is a helping profession. An instructor should attempt not only to help students learn the content of each course, but also to help them develop a knowledge base, develop practical skills, and develop ways of thinking that will be of use to them throughout their lives. Teaching is complex profession. Instructors should be people of broad education, with the awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of education. Instructors should be able to adapt to the changing world and changes in their areas of study. Instructors should be able to adapt to the idiosyncratic needs of her/his class. Teaching is a partnership. A college education is earned via cooperation, not given or bought. Learning is something that takes a lot of hard work, is demanding and effortful. Instructors should make it clear to his/her students that they are more than passive sponges. Teachers should convey a sense of educational responsible and accountability in their students. Conversely, educators cannot seem omnipotent. Rather, instructors must live up to an equal standard of responsibility and accountability.

Teaching is Sacred
• I try to make it clear to my students that I love the academy and learning
• I try to make it clear to my students that they are respected participants in learning process by being open to their comments and ideas
• I try to make it clear to my students that others in the class need to be respected for their views, no matter how different
• I try to make it clear to my students that rules will be followed in a fair and consistent manner
Teaching is Helping
• I help students by being open and available for questions and concerns (related to the course or not)
• I help students by putting complex issues in a structure they can understand and apply
• I help students by making them work through problems on their own and I am present for support
Teaching is Complex
• I address the complexities of teaching by using various means of feedback (Mid-point class evaluations, individual students meetings, and focus groups) to adapt to class needs
• I address the complexities of teaching by using various technologies: Video, Internet, Cyber assignments, and message board discussions to address different learning styles
• I address the complexities of teaching by using various class activities to get students more active in the learning process
Teaching is Partnership and Accountability
• I expect reciprocal effort from my partners…if I work hard at teaching, students should work hard at learning (students do not get A’s for merely attending class)
• I hold myself responsible for being current on literature related to my course. Conversely, students should keep up with the readings and be prepared to be in class.
• I make it clear to my students that I am learning with them and that we are having important impacts on each other…”I am not God, Professor, or Doctor. I am Brian and we are in this class to teach each other.”

This is only a brief outline of my teaching philosophy and the steps I take as an educator. I hope this document clearly explicates my love, effort level, and the concern I have for my students as people in our academic community and beyond.