Teaching

Pedagogical Approach

Students are not empty vessels to be filled. In the classroom, I put theory into practice and apply the teachings of the Public Health Critical Race Praxis.

Critical Approaches

Students are invited to question what is “known,” and critically engage with course materials. This includes disciplinary self-critique for the purposes of advancing the field of public health and dismantling systems that do not contribute to the health and well-being of all peoples.

Voice

I encourage students to contribute their lived experiences, understanding that all of our stories can serve to enrich the learning environment. Indeed, valuable sources of knowledge are not limited to peer-reviewed articles.

Citation Power

Across my body of work, including my course syllabi, I am committed to citing Black, Indigenous, Scholars of Color, as well as those who do not uphold the status quo. When peer-reviewed citations are needed, I aim to center the work produced by those at the margins.

Classroom Experience

I have had many diverse teaching experiences. From preschool classrooms, while working for Head Start, to university lecture halls at San Diego State University (SDSU) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

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Program Planning, Research and Evaluation in Community Health Sciences
Teaching Associate
Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
January 2021 – June 2021
Lead 50-minute weekly discussion section for first year public health graduate students in the Fielding School of Public Health within the Department of Community Health Sciences. Responsible for developing lecture materials, grading proposals and assignments, managing online materials, corresponding with students, meeting with students during office hours, and supporting the Professor with other tasks as assigned for 61 graduate student class.
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Introduction to Community Health Sciences
Teaching Assistant
Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
September 2020 – December 2020
Led 50-minute weekly discussion section for first year public health graduate students in the Fielding School of Public Health within the Department of Community Health Sciences. Responsible for grading, managing online materials, corresponding with students, meeting with students during office hours, and supporting the Professor with other tasks as assigned for 62 graduate student class.
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Minority Health Disparities
Teaching Assistant
Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
March 2017 – June 2018
Collaborated with the instructor to support learning activities for nearly 100 undergraduate students. Developed lecture materials and delivered a 75-minute class lecture on Latino Health Status in the United States. Generated exam questions in collaboration with the instructor. Lead three 1-hour exam review sessions. Responsible for grading, proctoring exams, managing online materials, corresponding with students, meeting with students during office hours, and supporting the Professor with other tasks as assigned.
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Introduction to Community Health Sciences
Teaching Assistant
Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
September 2017 – December 2018
Led 50-minute weekly discussion section for first year public health graduate students in the Fielding School of Public Health within the Department of Community Health Sciences. Responsible for grading, managing online materials, corresponding with students, meeting with students during office hours, and supporting the Professor with other tasks as assigned for 71 graduate student class.
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Introduction to Research and Careers in Psychology
Teaching Assistant
San Diego State University
January 2012 – May 2012
Assisted instructor with assignment development, grading, and mentoring students. Provided support in managing class activities and lectures.
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Advanced Research Methods
Teaching Assistant
San Diego State University
August 2011 – December 2011
Supported the development of scientific writing skills, graded student work, and proctored exams. Contributed to class activities, provided brief lectures, and assisted in the development of lecture and quiz materials. Acted as a peer mentor to students seeking to pursue a graduate degree in Psychology.
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Episcopal Community Services Head Start
Assistant Teacher
January 2011 – June 2011
Assisted teachers with lessons and play time. Provided lessons in basic math and verbal skills to students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Service learning experience corresponded with a child development and child education seminar.

Here's what my students have to say...

“Anna-Michelle was born to be a professor [...] She does a great job of making complex material approachable, and has a knack for expressing these ideas in several ways if they don’t land with everyone the first time around.”

person
UCLA Student
Winter 2021

“It's so inspiring to get a few glimpses into how her mind works to critically dissect academic material and structures and it gives me hope that the future of public health is in good hands.”

person
UCLA Student
Spring 2021

“Anna-Michelle was an amazing TA! She allowed us space in discussion to ask honest questions, and I felt so comfortable making mistakes and being honest about where my knowledge gaps were. [...] Warm and kind, yet definitely down to business, which is my favorite style!”

person
UCLA Student
Fall 2020

“Some of her main strengths were 1. Her ability to articulate ideas and concepts in ways that made them extremely easy to understand, 2. Her ability to bring together and integrate different concepts to help students understand how they fit together, 3. Her positive and cheery demeanor that always brings light to the setting/environment.”

person
UCLA Student
Spring 2021

Awards

school

2018 & 2021 Best Teaching Assistant Award

Department of Community Health Sciences
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

school

2021 Teaching Mini-Grant

Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
Award Amount: $1,000