My Teaching Philosophy
I view teaching as an act of empowerment—one that transforms students into critical thinkers, compassionate communicators, and advocates for justice. I believe education is both an intellectual and moral endeavor, fostering empathy, cultural awareness, and a commitment to the common good. In my classroom, writing is not just a skill but a vehicle for ethical reflection and public engagement.
Having taught across UTEP, EPCC, and Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, I bring extensive experience working with multilingual, first-generation, and culturally diverse students. My courses emphasize real-world application, user-centered communication, and rhetorical adaptability.
My research in sound studies, cultural rhetorics, and Latinx identity shapes my interdisciplinary teaching. Through soundscape and podcasting assignments, students explore how place, identity, and resistance are expressed through sound, connecting technical skills with social insight.
Mentorship is also foundational to my practice. As a first-generation Mexican Latino scholar, I support students in embracing their identities, building confidence, and pursuing meaningful academic and personal goals in inclusive, humanizing environments.
Selected Teaching Experience
UTEP, College of Liberal Arts, English Department
-
RWS 3355: Workplace Writing
-
RWS 1301: Rhetoric and Writing Studies 1
-
RWS 1302: Rhetoric and Writing Studies 2
EPCC, El Paso Community College, English Department
-
ENGL 1301: Expository English Composition
-
INRW 0311: Integrated Reading and Writing
UACJ, Institute of Arts and Design
Digital Design and Interactive Media Program
-
Multimedia and Web
-
Production and Sound Design
-
User Experience (UX)
Graphic Design Program
-
Dissertation I
-
Computer Graphics (Adobe Creative Cloud, Cinema 4D)
-
Web Design (HTML5, CSS3, Adaptive and Responsive Design, Brackets, Sublime Text, Adobe Dreamweaver)
-
Television Aesthetics
-
Semiotics
-
Methodologies for Design
Some Course Descriptions
University of Texas at El Paso
Rhetoric and Writing Studies 1301
The goal of RWS 1301 is to develop students’ critical thinking skills in order to facilitate effective communication in educational, professional, and social contexts. Effective communication is based on an awareness of and appreciation for discourse communities as well as knowledge specific to subject matter, genre, rhetorical strategy, and writing process. It is designed to prepare you for the writing you will do throughout your university experience as well as in professional and civic environments. This course offers you a curriculum that empowers you to determine the most effective rhetorical strategies, arrangements, and media to use in different rhetorical contexts
Rhetoric and Writing Studies 1302
Rhetoric & Composition 2 (RWS 1302) aims to develop your critical thinking skills in order to facilitate effective communication in all educational, professional, and social contexts. This effective communication is based on awareness of and appreciation for discourse communities as well as knowledge specific to subject matter, genre, rhetorical strategy, and writing process. The class presents an approach to communication that helps students determine the most effective strategies, arrangements, and media to use in different rhetorical contexts. In addition, because communication is central to being an active and engaged member of society, the course also provides a space for informed advocacy.
Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez
Sound Design
The Sound Design Course empowers students with comprehensive knowledge to craft immersive soundscapes and music productions using diverse techniques. It fosters skill development in crafting sound narratives by leveraging intuitive technology and innovative methods. This course is meticulously designed to deepen understanding, foster appreciation, and enable composition in diverse realms such as sound art, animation, video game sound design, foley, and film scoring.
Multimedia & Web
The Multimedia & Web course provides an immersive journey into the historical foundations of this technology while actively engaging students in critical thinking about its development and evolution. By leveraging insights from fields such as rhetoric, semiotics, communication sciences, and aesthetics, students not only learn about the technology but also contemplate its ethical implications. Moreover, this course emphasizes a user-centric approach, encouraging students to explore how design choices impact the overall user experience. It prompts reflection on how these technologies when crafted thoughtfully, can enhance user engagement, accessibility, and overall satisfaction. Integrating user experience into the narrative emphasizes the importance of considering the end user's perspective and how the design and ethical considerations discussed in the course can directly impact the audience's interaction with and perception of multimedia and web technologies.
Research Methods
This comprehensive course provides students with a panoramic understanding of research methodologies, enabling them to discern and address fundamental issues within academic communities. It offers both theoretical insights and practical methodologies essential for conducting rigorous research. Beyond cultivating the ability to identify strengths and weaknesses, classify, rank, and synthesize information, this course empowers students to navigate the research process effectively. Moreover, it actively supports students in their initial dissertation projects, guiding them through the formulation and presentation of their research investigations. By imparting skills to incorporate domain-specific knowledge into their research, it prepares students for successful and impactful scholarly work in their first-stage dissertation projects
Technologies for Design
The Technologies for Design course offers students comprehensive training in utilizing specialized software for graphic design, including proficiency in leading tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Brackets, Dreamweaver, and other key applications essential for front-end web development (basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript). Beyond mastering software, students gain the expertise to translate conceptual sketches and mental imagery into digital formats, employing techniques involving vector graphics and the manipulation of digital images in 2D and 3D. This course not only equips students with technical skills but also fosters a deep understanding of how to seamlessly transition creative ideas into digital mediums, crucial in modern design and front-end web development practices.
Film Production
The Film Production Course is an immersive and intensive program designed for aspiring filmmakers to cultivate a comprehensive skill set. Beginning with an exploration of cinema history and fundamental principles, students delve into genres, cinematic language, and critical theory through an understanding of narrative and semiotics. Progressing from these foundational aspects, the course covers production processes and insights into the film industry.
Moving forward, students acquire essential skills for crafting scripts and developing production proposals. This leads to a comprehensive understanding of technological expertise, including post-production techniques, digital cinema editing, and sound production. Finally, the course delves into the realm of project administration and financing within the audiovisual landscape.
Through this structured journey, students undergo a holistic development as filmmakers, assimilating theoretical knowledge while gaining hands-on experience across various stages of film production, from inception to the administration and financing of audiovisual projects.
Cinema 4D Workshop
This workshop is crafted to impart comprehensive understanding and hands-on proficiency in modeling, texturing, and animation using Cinema 4D. Beginning with foundational principles, it covers the essential features and tools, guiding participants toward mastery of this powerful software. From grasping the basics to navigating intricate functionalities, the course aims to empower individuals with the skills needed to confidently create stunning 3D models, textures, and dynamic animations using Cinema 4D.
Moreover, this course goes beyond mere technical instruction. It encourages creative exploration by demonstrating how to apply these skills in real-world scenarios, fostering the ability to bring imagination to life through 3D modeling. Participants will not only gain proficiency in using Cinema 4D but also develop the creative vision and technical finesse necessary to produce visually stunning and engaging content in various industries such as animation, design, advertising, and more.
Courses for Instructors
Situated Learning
This course empowers participants to delve deep into the intricacies of situated learning, fostering a comprehensive understanding of its core elements. Through this exploration, participants gain valuable insights to enhance teaching-learning processes, leveraging the principles of situated learning. The program uniquely emphasizes the involvement of diverse educational stakeholders, enabling participants to adeptly engage various figures in this pedagogical approach.
Furthermore, the course encourages a critical lens to identify and address challenges within situated learning practices. Participants will develop the acumen to recognize and effectively navigate issues that commonly arise in educational contexts, honing their ability to generate innovative and creative solutions. By the course's conclusion, participants emerge not only enriched with knowledge but also equipped with actionable strategies to implement and improve situated learning within their educational practices.
As a pedagogical approach, situated learning emphasizes learning within authentic contexts, where knowledge is constructed based on the immediate environment and social interactions. Three essential aspects of this approach include:
-
Contextual Learning
-
Social Interaction and Collaboration
-
Authentic Activities and Problem-Solving
​
Overall, situated learning focuses on creating a learning environment that mirrors the complexities of the real world, emphasizing context, social interaction, and authentic tasks to facilitate effective learning.
Digital Classroom: Learning Management System
This course is tailored to explore Learning Management Systems (LMS), empowering participants to optimize learning experiences within digital environments, specifically focusing on popular platforms for implementing the flipped classroom approach. The primary goal is to facilitate a seamless transition from traditional classroom settings to online platforms, enhancing both teaching and learning practices in virtual spaces. Participants will gain expertise in designing and constructing engaging online courses, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of leveraging LMS tools effectively for an enriched educational experience.