Why did you pursue this certificate?

I chose to pursue the Graduate Certificate in College Teaching because my teaching assistantship with the School of Music has sparked a pedagogical passion within me, and I wanted to further refine my teaching abilities and philosophy. The certificate is very student-led: at its core, it emphasizes learning from both colleagues and established pedagogues through discussion and practical experience, but the specifics of that process will look different for each person. For example, the certificate has given me the means to supplement my pedagogical interest in music theory with experience teaching musicology, all the while developing example syllabi and lesson plans for a hypothetical inter-departmental teaching position. All in all, I chose to pursue the certificate in order to supplement the already strong pedagogical education the School of Music offers in a way that allows me to tailor my portfolio towards my specific teaching goals. 

What have you learned from the certificate program? What's your favorite part?

The certificate is structured in a very effective way that balances pedagogical knowledge with practical experience. Having the chance to discuss teaching philosophies, approaches, and challenges with colleagues outside of the school of music offers a very holistic understanding of effective teaching. Moreover, the practicums give direct and immediate channels through which you can then test out those methodologies. My favorite part of the certificate has been integrating the School of Music's Music Theory Pedagogy curriculum into my learning. Music majors have a unique opportunity to narrow the scope of the certificate even further and prepare the fundamental skills necessary of any professional in music academia. 

How has the program prepared you for your future career and goals?

In addition to the practical experience that the certificate has offered me, I've built an extremely impressive teaching portfolio in a relatively short time span. By recording my teaching practicums, I now have substantial and varied demonstrations of my teaching style beyond what an assistantship can showcase. I've also received guidance on crafting a teaching philosophy, syllabi, assignments, and other physical demonstrations of my pedagogy. I feel like I will be graduating a step ahead in terms of career preparedness.