Maggie Bryant

Fall 2023 Winner

Maggie Bryant’s teaching philosophy is centered on the belief that learners are people first and students second. She emphasizes the importance of care in her interactions, focusing on students’ learning, experiences, diversity, and their impact on the world. Her approach is rooted in student-centered constructivism, where she acts as a facilitator, empowering students to take ownership of their educational journey. Maggie designs her courses to include student choice and agency, allowing for personal inquiries that connect to collective learning.

She acknowledges the complexity of identity and the power dynamics in educational spaces, striving to create learning experiences that value students’ backgrounds and provide multiple perspectives. Her commitment to equitable teaching is reflected in her use of Universal Design for Learning principles, offering varied entry points and encouraging the use of multiple tools for understanding.

Maggie aims to make course content relevant, inclusive, contemporary, and research-based, fostering an environment where students are valued, challenged, and empowered. She believes in the transformative potential of education, focusing on forming individuals of strong character who understand the impact of ideology and feel confident in their ability to adapt and respond to the world. Her goal is to cultivate empathy, reflection, and social responsibility through collaborative learning and a responsive curriculum.

What Students Say

Ms. Bryant values student voices being heard amongst the audience of their peers, which brings enthusiasm and innovation into the daily coursework. In addition to her passion for the subject, Ms. Bryant embodies authentic passion for students through her kind-hearted character. Ms. Bryant would walk into our classroom every single day full of undeniable joy and contagious positive spirit that would lift up our class on even the gloomiest of days. She deeply values building relationships with her students so that she knows how to best serve them as an instructor.