We’ve had a lot of great new colleagues join us recent at the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL). We’ve introduced Da’Ja’. Today we get to meet Aaminah Long (she/her), our new Equity & Inclusion Specialist! Thanks to Aaminah for answering some questions, so that we could know her better.
Can you introduce yourself a little? What’s a hobby or two you enjoy? Tell me a little about your research. Bonus points if you can make it understandable to a novice 😊
My name is Aaminah (ah-meen-ah) Long and I am a 3rd year student studying Higher Education and Student Affairs with a minor in Race and Racism in Education. My current research examines the concept of degree worth for Black, low-income and first-generation students. Specifically, my work aims to highlight the role that anti-Blackness has in determining the socioeconomic value of post-secondary education. Besides teaching and learning, I enjoy curating music playlists and trying new recipes.
What’s a moment from teaching you’ve really enjoyed?
So far, I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to cultivate a sense of community within the classes I teach. With each semester, I meet different individuals with an array of experiences and it’s always a joy to watch them find common ground with one another.
What’s a piece of teaching advice you’d give to a graduate student new to teaching at IU?
I have two pieces of advice for graduate students who are new to teaching:
- Work on developing your voice and approach towards teaching. Often, it may seem instinctual to mimic the teaching styles that we’ve encountered as students. But if you’re interested in a career that involve teaching roles, it could be beneficial to build upon your skillset by understanding how to incorporate your values in your classroom.
- Don’t take your students’ engagement (or lack thereof) personally. While it is important that we attend to the needs of our students, sometimes their capacity to participate in class is impacted by factors beyond our scope.
What are you looking forward to doing at the CITL?
I’m looking forward to working with departments across campus to explore different ways of developing equitable practices. I’m also interested in creating new resources to support faculty and students as they engage in DEIJ work.
Aaminah is available to visit pedagogy courses and share her wisdom and/or to meet with instructors for one-on-one consultations. If you want to connect with Aaminah, reach out at citldiv1@indiana.edu and keep your eyes out for upcoming programming with Aaminah on our events page! We’re grateful to have Aaminah as a new colleague!
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