Teaching Innovators: Shanita Anderson

Anyone who has seen Shanita Anderson at work in front of a classroom of future or current teachers knows that it's hard to call what she's doing "work." In her own words, Anderson seeks to inspire knowledge and build positive relationships with her students while learning together and having fun. She seems to be having the time of her life.

Anderson is a senior lecturer in the Department of Teaching and Learning, and she has enjoyed her 20-plus year career because she's always chasing that "magical moment" when a student gets it, that something "clicks" or that light bulb goes off. We talked to Anderson about her strategies for teaching future teachers and those already in the classroom, which educator inspired her and why singing during online lessons or feedback is a powerful tool.

What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy remains grounded and inspired by Robert Heinlein's words: "When one teaches, two learn." Whether working as a middle school teacher, K-12 school support coach or in my current role as a senior lecturer here at Clemson, my core teaching values embrace Heinlein's words.

My teaching approach is rooted in constructivism, which sees learning as a collaborative journey. I view my students as "partners" when we explore topics and new paradigms along our learning journey. In doing this, I strive to always make pedagogical moves that show I value their voices and experiences.

During the summer months, I have the privilege to co-facilitate-along with Dr. Jackie Malloy-a co-teaching institute that supports mentor teachers and their teacher residents in our Teacher Residency program. When designing professional learning whether synchronous or asynchronous, I look for partnership practices that recognize and honor learner experiences. Regardless of where or when we are working together, the teachers are the stars of the show, and I want their expertise and voice to shine. This approach benefits both master's students and mentor teachers in the Teacher Residency program, ensuring every learning task inspires reflection and growth.

Ultimately, my goal is to model inclusive practices that honor and celebrate the diverse identities within our learning community, whether online or in person. By doing so, I aim to empower future educators who are equipped and inspired to make a positive impact on countless lives.

Shanita Anderson co-leads a co-teaching institute in Charleston County during Summer 2024.

Why do you love teaching?

I love the moments when a future educator realizes that they too can do the hard work of being a teacher, a leader and a difference maker for their students. I wish I could say teaching is easy. It isn't. It takes heart. It takes patience. But what I can say is that there is nothing more rewarding than a student growing in their confidence and in their craft and ultimately helping someone else grow, whether that be their students or a colleague they are coaching.

Teaching allows me to be my students' facilitative partner. I get to connect with so many different personalities and backgrounds, so I see every day as an opportunity to learn something new from my students-just as much as they learn from me. It really is a reciprocal relationship!

At the end of the day, when I close my laptop, I like knowing that I've made a positive impact, even in a small way. That is what teaching is and always has been to me, whether in a face-to-face setting or not. It is more than just a job. It's a passion and a calling that I'm so humbled to be a part of.

Name an educator that inspired you to teach.

Without a doubt, it would be Mrs. Cosette Nix, my seventh-grade social studies teacher. Mrs. Nix was a teacher that most certainly stood out no matter what room she stepped into because she wore these incredibly high black heels - to this day I don't know how she managed to keep them on all day long!

Mrs. Nix was the first teacher who really saw me. She took a genuine interest in me and introduced me to our school's drama club, where she coached me and mentored me. Because of her and the relationship she built with me, I place such a high premium on relationship building with my own students. I even called her the day I declared my major in middle school social studies and English language arts.

Describe an effective approach you use in the classroom.

Teaching online can sometimes make connecting with students challenging. You must let them know you see them as more than a name or an assignment submission on a screen. To help with this, I incorporate video overviews in every module, with music - I may even sing in a few of these videos. I will also provide video feedback whenever possible so that each student knows that I see them and value their contributions to our online learning environment.

What do you like about the College of Education?

I have some of the most amazing colleagues and friends within our College! They are brilliant educators who work really hard and truly care about their students and the impact of their work on children.

Is there any subject that you're interested in that might surprise people?

I love reading young adolescent literature! I started reading it to stay abreast of great stories to share with my middle school students and the genre has now evolved to where I simply love to read it just for fun. Plus, my son is now a middle schooler and he and I can chat about books we love.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not teaching?

When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my amazing family-we are very close. I also love my church and spend as much time there as I can.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.