Higher Education Master’s Portfolio

The philosophy I maintain of higher education is based upon mutual respect, relatability, dependability, engagement, and relevance to the students of whom I serve in providing a quality funeral service education. I strongly feel the overall philosophy in higher education should maintain all students as central in mission, focus, and purpose. Therefore, I aim and strive to always keep the best interest of all students at the forefront of my service in higher education. 

Mutual Respect. All students that I serve are, first and foremost, an individual person. I commit to always treating each student as such and with the highest regards of respect. I believe this to be a key tenet in modeling exemplary leadership. Instruction and leadership are conveyed through written and verbal communication as only a component of the full lesson. My actions and disposition will serve to reinforce the curriculum of instruction I endeavor to impart.    

Relatability. Just as students must feel respected to reach their full potential of learning, they must also be able to relate to those in leadership. Students come from all walks of life. We do not have to look alike, sound alike, or even believe the same to be relatable. An instructor must be relatable to students to promote an optimal learning environment. 

Dependability. Educators typically expect dependability in the effort and work of students. Mutually, students should be able to expect the same dependability from their instructors. I believe, as an instructor, students must always be able to depend on me to be fully prepared for all scheduled classes. Being prepared includes being confidently well versed in the knowledge, skills, and subject matter I am striving to teach. 

Engagement. I firmly believe in teaching on the Socratic Method. I feel a back-and-forth dialogue with students creates an environment that promotes engagement in the subject matter resulting in a deeper understanding and lasting comprehension. 

Relevance. Students I serve are all seeking funeral service education with the goal of establishing a career in the death care profession. Some subject matter will be less directly tied to funeral service than others. However, all subject matter taught can be relevant, directly or indirectly, to funeral service. By exposing the relevance of the subject at hand to relevance in real world application, I feel students are better able to establish an appreciation and understanding of the material being delivered. 

I believe it important to always seek growth personally and professionally. Experience should always be used to increase one’s ability, but should not hinder one from improving. I will continually strive to gain the attainment of these tenants in my higher education career. Above all, student must always remain central to my mission, focus, and purpose in higher education.