Mike Williamson

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT MIKE WILLIAMSON

Philosophy of Teaching“To learn and never be filled - is wisdom. To teach and never be weary - is love.” - Friedrich NietzscheWhy Do I Teach?My desire to teach arose from within as passions are prone to do. I have learned that discovering and following your passions is one of life’s greatest joys. I teach because it is who I am, what I am designed to do especially well. That brings up the next question, what are my goals for teaching?What Are My Goals for Teaching?My highest goal in teaching is to help my students discover and realize their full potential as human beings. Toward that end, I strive to use core principles of servant leadership. Servant leadership is about maximizing the potential of individuals, both those who are served and those who lead. For faculty, there are multiple ways of utilizing servant leadership concepts while working with students. Indeed, the test of the servant leadership principles is embodied in the following questions, which are relevant to the role of faculty: “Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, and more likely themselves to become servants?”Instructors promote student success, help students grow as learners and realize their fullest potential in many ways:• Active listening• Coaching and influencing students• Asking and using student feedback to design and enhance learning activities• Ensuring that students know about support services and helping to link them to those that may make a difference in staying enrolled and successfully completing the course or program• Taking the time to explain why some behaviors may be inappropriate or sabotage student goalsI strive to to touch their hearts, inspiring them, as I know that is how lives are changed. I bring enthusiasm and energy to my teaching and have arrived at a season in life where I have some wisdom to share with my students.