Teaching

Philosophy of Teaching: A Summary
The goal of teaching, at its most fundamental level, is to help students learn.  Learning, however, is not static or concrete, but fluid and contextual.  Each student enters a classroom with a specific set of prior experiences and background knowledge.  Students are motivated to learn in unique and individual ways.  Teaching, then, must fully acknowledge and embrace this idea that, when provided relevant and real-world opportunities, all students are capable of learning.

My philosophy of teaching is better described as a philosophy of designing and of facilitation.  In order for me to be an effective teacher, I must be willing to rethink traditional teaching beliefs and practices.  I must approach instruction as a designer of high-quality, meaningful opportunities for students to make connections to course material and build their own understanding, while contributing to the classroom body of knowledge.  Educational design work includes encouraging student input and using that input to drive all instructional decisions.  Inviting student input provides students with buy-in and ownership of their education.

Likewise, it behooves me (and all teachers) to utilize research to make instructional decisions based on evidence of effectiveness. Research is an important part of teaching, whether it be conducting empirical research at the university level to contribute to the current body of knowledge or using more informal teacher-researcher methods to better understand a given classroom or context.

Courses
Auburn University
  • CTSE 5020/6020: Composition and Rhetoric for Teachers (focuses on Multimodal Composition)
  • CTSE 7540: Evaluation and Assessment in English Language Arts Education
Millikin University
  • IN 150: Critical Writing, Reading & Research I
  • IN 151: Critical Writing, Reading & Research II
  • EN 302: Methods for Teaching Literacy in the Content Area Classroom.
  • EN 222: Contemporary Adolescent Literature
  • EN 375: The English Language
  • EN 235: Methods in Secondary English Education
  • EN 425: Advanced Methods in Secondary English Education
  • EN 470: Teaching Writing
North Carolina State University
  • ECI 509: Cultural Connections, Collections, and Reflections with Technology
  • ECI 509: Integrating Writing and Technology
Clemson University
  • EDSEC 454: Secondary English Capstone Seminar
  • EDSEC 434: Secondary English Methods
  • ENGL 700: Children's Literature for Teachers

Advisory Roles
  • Millikin Medal for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
  • English Club
  • Sigma Tau Delta

Awards and Honors
  • Millikin University. Advisor of the Year. Millikin University Leadership Awards. 2014-2015.
  • College of Health, Education & Human Development Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Clemson University, 2013-2014.
  • North Carolina State University. Capital Area Writing Project, National Writing Project Fellow, 2010.
  • Holland & Knight Foundation. Holocaust Remembrance Project, National Award Recipient, 2008.

Professional Development and Guest Lectures
  • Johnson, W., Cook, M., & Warren, M.L. (2013, Dec.). Using technology to drive meaningful literacy instruction and learning. Southeast Regional Principals Association. Warsaw, N.C.
  • Cook, M. (2013, Oct.). TPACK: Harnessing the power of technology to enhance classroom instruction. Sampson County School District. Clinton, N.C.
  • Cook, M. (2013, Sept.). The Common Core State Standards: Resources, rigor & readiness. North Carolina State University. Salter Path, N.C.
  • Cook, M. (2013, June). Technology in the Middle school and secondary classroom. Clemson University. Greenville, S.C.
  • Cook, M. (2013, June). Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA). Clemson University. Greenville, S.C.
  • Cook, M. (2012, Aug.). Reading comprehension strategies for secondary teachers. Sampson County School District. Clinton, N.C.
  • Cook, M. (2012, Apr.). The Common Core State Standards: An introduction and classroom lesson alignment for teachers. North Carolina State University. Salter Path, N.C.
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Integrating Writing and Technology at North Carolina State University