Reflection on Faith & Teaching
Updated from Dawne’s 2012 T&P
Separate reflections on teaching, scholarship, service and collegiality are available within the portfolio.
“None can sense more deeply than you artists, ingenious creators of beauty that you are, something of the pathos with which God at the dawn of creation looked upon the work of His hands. A glimmer of that feeling has shone so often in your eyes when – like the artists of every age – captivated by the hidden power of sounds and words, colors and shapes, you have admired the work of your inspiration, sensing in it some echo of the mystery of creation with which God, the sole creator of all things, has wished in some way to associate you. In writing this Letter, I intend to follow the path of the fruitful dialogue between the Church and the artists...the human craftsman mirrors the image of God as Creator.”
–From Letter to Artists from Pope John Paul II (April 4, 1999)
It has been eighteen years since I arrived at Abilene Christian University and twenty-eight years since I began teaching as a humble graduate assistant at The University of Arizona in Tucson. During that time, I have grown as a human, developed as a teacher–artist, and endeavored daily to dig deeper into God’s word.
I trust my students now and in return they trust me. I trust my teaching style and structure my courses as they best serve each unique group of students. I recognize what works for me may not work for another professor, and I am not afraid to make changes for the benefit of a class. I am much more successful in staying on course by honoring my semester calendar now. Time is a natural challenge for me, so I work diligently to stay aware of the time and release my students accordingly.
I am not afraid to admit when I do not know the answer to a question and seek to research the answer. I have discovered the beauty of being a co–learner with my students. I love learning new techniques and recognize the ways in which I learn from my students.
I also love serving as chair, collaborating with colleagues within my department and outside of it as well. I have discovered that it is okay to admit when I do not know something. I have discovered that someone will always be smarter, stronger or more talented and I can be inspired by that faculty member or artist. I have discovered that it is senseless to be competitive and childish to be smug. It is a joyful blessing to grow with and next to my colleagues and students.
I strive to be more transparent as a teacher and faith-artist now. My personal experience has taught me the importance of that. I believe giving myself permission for failure has allowed me to try techniques and styles that might have seemed too daunting before. Some projects have feverishly flopped and some have supremely succeeded.
I am the mother of two amazing boys. My older bi-racial son is the competitive athlete genius and my younger boy is the creative theatre techie. I am also blessed by two step children that are wise talented, bright and wise beyond their years. These four incredible humans are my inspiration for change.
I have been passionate about hiring faculty of color, providing opportunity for students of color and looking at educational/season content with new eyes. My sons teach me daily. They are brave boys. Henry has kind eyes and a smile that brightens 1000 stars. He shows love and devotion for his big brother beyond his years. Charlie feels the world shudder, I like to say. He feels deeply and is highly intelligent. His little brother puts his arms around him in these moments. I love that he sees the truth in the world. He made his own sign and stuck it in the yard during the last election. He is my kid that stands up for the underdog. Each son keeps me honest and on my toes. This has strengthened my faith, my artistry and allowed me the fluidity needed to be the teacher God calls me to be.
Our family has walked through some unexpected ugliness over the last year due to small town Covid fear. I have learned to live in pockets of personal quiet and have come to recognize that God is my true sustainer. I have learned how to see the beauty even in the midst of difficulty. I am filled with peace and I am thankful. As I write this, my husband and I will celebrate twelve years of marriage this week. It brings tears to my eyes to say that I am thankful and that I am a stronger person because of what I have been through and what our family has been through. I am a better teacher because of my journey. I empathize, listen and possess a greater understanding of what it means to be human now. I understand that we were created as Christ came in human form and that we are fragile and fallible. I thank God for the opportunity to explore human emotion with my students. I am thankful for the opportunity to tell the story.