Teaching | Nathan Varner

Teaching and Pedagogical Philosophy

My teaching philosophy has been significantly shaped by my experiences in English education and related fields, fostering a deep appreciation for critical thinking and diverse approaches to teaching and tutoring. As I develop my teaching and tutoring philosophies, I have explored various aspects of writing, composition, grammar, and linguistics. These explorations have challenged and refined my approach, making it more inclusive and comprehensive. My practicum experience as a high school teacher's assistant and my involvement in extracurricular activities, such as the film club, allowed me to connect with students and refine my teaching methods. This hands-on experience, combined with my academic studies, has helped me understand the complexities of formatting and structure, as well as the importance of citing sources accurately.

My approach to teaching integrates these elements to foster a rich learning environment that encourages student individuality and critical thinking. I aim to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for academic and real-world challenges by incorporating concepts in linguistics, grammar, revision, and invention. I aim to share these insights and methodologies to create an inclusive and dynamic learning experience for my students.

The following are examples of how I have attempted to bridge the pedagogical gap with students and allow my ideas to engage in a different, more unique understanding of film and literature.

I graduated with a Master's of Education focused on English Language Arts in a Secondary Education Classroom. My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor's in Film and English, with minors in Business Administration and Writing. I'm proud to say I achieved all of these in just 5 years.

My documentary work and some writing have been published and used at High Schools and colleges across the US. Specifically, the work I did with Film History Digests was intended for use in these settings and is encouraged for other teachers, but it should be noted that some topics are more mature and are intended to highlight the historical and cultural importance of the topics. I have made revised versions that are censored for wider use in the educational setting. All work should be suitable for an educational setting, but should be reviewed before being showcased for some cases of lanaguage, violance, sexual imagery. You can check my different types of writing and video work in the tabs on the website.

Featured Educators

Throughout my education, I’ve learned from educators who bring practical experience into the classroom. From comic writing and publishing to business, video production, and inclusive education, their guidance has helped shape my creative interests, professional development, and approach to teaching.

Adrian Cortes

Portland State University

Inclusive Education

Professor for Inclusive Classroom Education at Portland State University in Summer 2024, as confirmed by the student. Exact course code remains unverified.

Ted Adams

Portland State University

Comics Publishing

Comics Publishing — Spring 2024. Ted Adams was the instructor, as confirmed by the student. The course connected comics as a creative medium with publishing as a professional field.