University Teaching Initiative Award

Jeongae Kang, Ph.D.

• Jeongae Kang is an Assistant Professor in the Special Education Department at Illinois State University.
• She earned her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in December 2017.

My motivation to become a college professor comes from…

My meaningful interactions with exceptional educators and professors throughout my academic journey. One outstanding example of this influence is my experience in a college teaching course under the guidance of Dr. Pam Williamson, which has played a pivotal role in shaping my teaching philosophy. This experience has been instrumental in the development of my teaching philosophy.

The three most valuable or important methods/approaches/attitudes/etc. that I bring to my teaching practice are …

Consistency, honesty, and flexibility.

• I believe maintaining a consistent and structured approach in my teaching ensures that students know what to expect. Creating a stable learning environment that promotes student engagement and understanding.
• I believe in fostering open and honest communication. Honesty helps establish trust between students and myself, which is vital for effective teaching and learning.
• Flexibility in teaching is essential to cater to diverse learning styles and adapt to unexpected challenges. I embrace the need to adjust my teaching methods. Flexibility allows me to meet students where they are and facilitate their academic growth effectively.

The resource or person that has been the most important influence in my teaching career is … (and why)

My colleagues within our department and the broader field of special education teacher preparation. The collaborative dialogues and interactions with these esteemed professionals have been instrumental in shaping my pedagogical approach.

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

When students express how I have positively influenced their learning journey. A great example of this occurred when one of my students emailed me, saying "I often look back on everything you taught me. When I get complimented on goals or my PLAFP statements I immediately credit you. You had a huge impact on my love for special education as well as my confidence in my abilities as an educator." 

Receiving such feedback reinforces my commitment to helping students reach their full potential. 

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

The complexity of the teaching. Effective teaching involves multiprocessing that demand continuous reflection and adaptation in various dimensions, including understanding individual learners, mastering subject matter, and navigating the evolving educational landscape.

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

Holistic student engagement through multiple modalities. While actively listening to students and valuing their unique voices and experiences, I believe teachers can gain a comprehensive understanding of their progress, strengths, and areas for improvement.

“Teacher facilitates student learning, and student facilitates teachers teaching.”