2013 Outstanding University Teacher Award Winner Category II

Tina Stewart Brakebill, M.S.

M.S. in History, Illinois State University (2002)
Instructional Assistant Professor of History, Department of History

Teaching philosophy

This centers on implementing an interlocking set of ideas—make a connection and move forward—with the hope that my students and I will end each semester with a better understanding of not just the subject of history but also the meaning of “gladly we learn and teach.”

Teaching technique to recommend

Try and meet students where they are rather than where you wish them to be. If I can accept students’ strengths and weaknesses then I can implement strategies designed to keep them showing up, which increases my chances to reach and to teach them.

Best compliment from a student

A first-year non-history major called my class a “refreshing and new way for viewing American history” and thanked me for being so interested in my students and going to such great lengths to educate them.

Three most valuable approaches that I bring to my teaching practice

Passion, respect, and accountability.

Least favorite part of teaching

Grading. I worry that I never quite come up with a combination of assessments that allows all my students to demonstrate their best mastery of the material.

Most rewarding aspect of teaching

When I realize that I have made a connection with a student or class and they “get” what I’m trying to share. It’s those win-win moments when a student answers a question in class or takes responsibility for their part of the learning process or simply says “Oh, I get it!” and I can see they actually DO get it.

Photo of Tina Stewart Brakebill, M.S. — “If you asked my students what makes me an effective teacher, I hope they would say that I am a good communicator and that the class was interesting and informative. But I think that they would actually say that I am funny and always answered their e-mails.”