Matthew Reising
PhD Candidate Political Science
Fall 2022 Winner
According to his teaching philosophy, Reising emphasizes his mission to serve as a guide for students in their pursuit of truth and to be a faithful witness to the Christian intellectual tradition. He accomplishes this by fostering an atmosphere of inclusion, respect, charity, and hospitality within his classroom.
One of Reising's key teaching principles is to educate the whole person of each of his students. He achieves this by making his courses accessible to students from various disciplines, focusing on perennial questions about the human condition found in the Great Texts. By exposing his students to the works of influential thinkers from Aristotle and Augustine to Tocqueville and Frederick Douglass, he equips them with not only historical and technical knowledge but also the wisdom necessary to excel in their careers and lead fulfilling lives as good citizens, friends, and family members.
Classroom discussions play a central role in Reising's teaching approach. He invites students to read texts aloud and engage in dynamic discussions, actively involving them in a conversation with the authors. By encouraging students to investigate, resolve, and even challenge the issues presented in the texts, he fosters critical thinking and enhances reading comprehension.
Building relationships with his students and fostering a sense of community are vital aspects of Reising's teaching philosophy. He hosts extra credit movie nights relevant to the course and encourages students to attend his office hours, where he gets to know them better and caters to their individual needs. This approach helps students feel more comfortable and engaged in their learning journey.
Matthew Reising's commitment to his students and his thoughtful approach to teaching have resulted in him being honored with the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award in the Social Sciences. This recognition is well-deserved, underscoring his dedication to crafting an enriching and transformative educational experience for those under his instruction.
What Students Say
From the first 15 minutes of class, his character was apparent. Professor Reising conducts class in an intimate yet conducive manner. His Socratic style of teaching was revolutionary to my learning experience. His commitment to the students was best reflected beyond the classroom hours: open, attentive, eager, and accommodating. Professor Reising was always willing to meet with students.