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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. 

 

There are several articles, books, and pieces of writing I think about quite often when discussing my educational philosophy. Around certain topics, there are different areas and narratives worth sharing. Topics in Education, Film, Intersectionality, English, Writing, and Artificial Intelligence are all instrumental to my teaching process

Education
Pedagogia do Oprimido (Pedagogy of the Oppressed)


Summary:

First published in Portuguese in 1968, Pedagogy of the Oppressed was translated and published in English in 1970. The methodology of the late Paulo Freire has helped to empower countless impoverished and illiterate people throughout the world. Freire's work has taken on especial urgency in the United States and Western Europe, where the creation of a permanent underclass among the underprivileged and minorities in cities and urban centers is increasingly accepted as the norm.
 

With a substantive new introduction on Freire's life and the remarkable impact of this book by writer and Freire confidant and authority Donaldo Macedo, this anniversary edition of Pedagogy of the Oppressed will inspire a new generation of educators, students, and general readers for years to come

by Paulo Freire (1968)
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Pedological Intergration:

Freire's work has been instrumental for so many, and this was no exception. Pedagogy of the Oppressed wasn’t an exception for me; it was not only my introduction to educational philosophy but also to college writing. I learned to start over and relearn the essence of writing back down to its bare essentials. Looking at writing so closely and analyzing the content of literature and theory helped open my eyes to how education about education could be impactful and allow students a deeper understanding of their work. Learning about the historical contexts, the politics, and the theories themselves was instrumental in my development of interdisciplinary thinking, which has solidified my understanding of education. The banking method, specifically, is something I see mentioned constantly in educational circles, and, moreover, it highlights just how wide-reaching international concepts can be.

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©2026 by Nathan Varner. 

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