I believe that great teaching comes from what is most humane within each of us. It hinges on a mix of art, style, and skill that is never expressed twice in exactly the same way. And yet, regardless of time or place or subject matter, great teaching is inextricably rooted in a willingness to share with others the best of who we are. Great teaching is the product of countless hours committed to developing greater understanding of both subject matter and self; listening as much, or more, than one speaks; and setting an example that meshes word and deed seamlessly. Ultimately, the measure of a great teacher is gauged by their capacity to exercise flexibility and patience in guiding others to discover the knowledge that exists around them and to recognize the wisdom that lies within them. My own teaching experience and interests are in the following areas:
philanthropy as civic engagement (hc123)
Currently, I lead the teaching team for UCLA’s Philanthropy as Civic Engagement Collegium course, which gives undergraduate students opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the nonprofit sector, challenge their assumptions about giving, and help them develop meaningful criteria for evaluating and comparing organizations. Each cohort of UCLA students that takes this course also has responsibility for awarding $100,000 (contributed initially by the Philanthropy Lab initially and, now, exclusively by UCLA donors) to Los Angeles area non profit organizations.
Through the course, which was first offered in 2012, more than $800,000 has been awarded to support arts and culture, human services, environmental sustainability/animal interests, and health and wellness initiatives. The course design and its impact on students and the local community inspired in 2019 a $1 million gift to expand philanthropy education at UCLA. Toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of the course, UCLA Women & Philanthropy members committed in Fall 2019 to establishing an endowment to support the class. Fundraising is ongoing.
creating your roadmap (hc50)
In association with designing UCLA Honors Programs’ new College Scholars Program, I also created and taught (2019) a new core course for that program’s undergraduates. Entitled "Creating Your Roadmap,” this Collegium course introduces students to the program’s signature approaches to learning, ways of being, and habits of doing; introduces them to associated research and writing; engages them in designing their e-portfolios; and facilitates continued development of their personalized “roadmap” to guide them through their undergraduate careers.