Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award, Level 1 – Masters

Erianne Thedorf, B.Sc.

• Graduate Teaching Assistant Communication - Interpersonal Communication and Communication as Critical Inquiry in the School of Communication
• B.Sc from the Illinois State University in 2020

The most rewarding aspect of teaching for me is… (and why)

The most rewarding aspect of teaching for me is when a student finally grasps the information learned and can successfully apply it to their life outside of the classroom

The most challenging aspect of teaching for me is … (and what I do about it)

The most challenging aspect of teaching for me is dealing with imposter syndrome. As someone who is closer in age to my students, I can doubt my own knowledge and qualifications to teach a certain course.

I want to continue to improve my teaching in the following ways …

I want to continue to improve my teaching by improving my cultural sensitivity. In my current teaching philosophy, I emphasize the importance of a classroom climate that supports individuals from a variety of backgrounds. 

Best compliment that I’ve received from a student was …

The best compliment that I have received from a student was that I was one of the most understanding instructors that they have had, and they always felt comfortable coming to me to ask questions or just to talk.

The one teaching technique or strategy that I would recommend to my colleagues to enhance student learning the most is …

The one teaching technique that I would recommend to my colleagues to enhance student learning the most is to not be afraid to connect with your students. Creating a classroom climate where students feel they are valued and wanted can promote social-emotional learning in addition to fostering excitement to come to class. Students appreciate it when you know their first name by heart and/or can remember personal information about them. Playing their favorite songs in class or remembering their favorite shows helps students know that you care about them and are thinking of them.

"Since knowledge is a seed that is fostered by the light of our ideas and watered by our conversations and communication, I hope my students leave my classroom with a passion to never stop learning."