Audra Hootman, MSEd

What attracted you to UNI and the College of Education?
UNI's College of Education has an excellent reputation as a teacher preparation school and when an adjunct position in Curriculum & Instruction was posted, I jumped at the chance to be a part of the university!

Describe an experience that reinforces why you enjoy what you do. 
UNI students in our PDS model have designed and used creative social studies lesson plans for my methods class in the classrooms at Irving Elementary and they are able to see the application of these lessons in real time.

What drove your interest in your selected discipline?
Teaching social studies was of particular interest to me because I was so bored as a student in most of my social studies/history classes, so I made it my mission to bring social studies alive for my students!

What is your teaching philosophy?
My classroom is an inviting and comfortable environment for all learners to excel. I have high expectations for myself and my students. I work hard to create an environment that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.

What do you hope students learn from you?
I hope my students learn the importance of developing positive relationships with students, teaching multiple perspectives within a social studies curriculum, and how to incorporate mindfulness practices for self-care.