Michigan State University is fortunate to have passionate educators who are committed to enhancing the experience of their students and who help to provide the best education possible. 

The Graduate School is featuring some of these educators – graduate and postdoc educators – every month to share their unique stories and perspectives on what it means to be a dedicated educator, how they’ve overcome educational challenges, and the ways they have grown through their experiences. 

For September 2024, we are featuring Saviour Kitcher, a doctoral student in Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education. In his writeup, Saviour shares about his philosophy as an educator and how his approach to teaching has shifted over time.

What does it mean to be an educator at a university?

As an educator at a university, my approach is rooted in the philosophy of servanthood, which I hold in high regard. This philosophy transcends financial rewards, driven instead by a deep passion for teaching and learning. It focuses on enriching the lives of our students, with the goal that uplifting one student elevates their family, and ultimately benefits the entire community. Consequently, an educator's role extends beyond addressing academic needs to understanding and supporting the broader impact on students' lives.

Being an educator is about developing curricula and pedagogies that model real-world events in the classroom. This involves using practices that equip students to challenge themselves and face the struggles outside the classroom. Designing a curriculum must reflect how to manage time, develop coping skills and success strategies that might be useful in their personal and academic lives. Things like resilience, growth mindset, perseverance, executive functioning skills, work-life balance, etc.

Being an educator is about creating the space for students to express themselves and bring their whole being into the teaching and learning space without fear. Ideally, it is about creating an environment where all students can thrive, where learning is not associated with stress, where the process is more significant than the result, where our differences are valued, and where our uniqueness is celebrated.

Challenges you have experienced and how have you grown from these?   

Before joining MSU, I spent over a decade teaching geography and social studies at the high school level. This experience initially shaped my approach to teaching at MSU, where I was focused on delivering as much information as possible to my students, believing it to be the best way to support their learning. However, I soon realized that a more valuable educational environment emphasizes the role of educators as facilitators, guiding students toward achieving their own learning outcomes. Embracing this shift, I have grown into an educator who supports and facilitates meaningful learning journeys with confidence and adaptability.

Another challenge I experienced was having a difficult classroom conversation with some students due to the diversity of students' backgrounds. Trauma-informed pedagogy emphasizes that some students' lived experiences can hinder their learning. As an educator, I have learned to be open-minded, honest and show up the best that I can with the tools and knowledge at my disposal. This has led me to navigate difficult conversations with students.

What value do you see in Teaching Professional Development (TPD)?  

As educators, we live in a constantly changing world, and our goal should be to use pedagogical approaches and innovative ways to achieve excellence in the classroom. Educators must shape their skills and be at the top of their profession. TPD is crucial in helping educators learn, re-learn and build community.

Attending these TPDs organized by the Office for Graduate Educator Advancement and Teaching (GREAT), allowed me to critically evaluate my teaching methods, identify areas for improvement, and significantly enhance my confidence and fulfillment in my role. It provided me with valuable insights into effectively catering to the needs of a diverse student body that encompasses individuals from various cultural backgrounds and with distinct learning abilities and styles.

I believe that building community through sharing our problems and achievements is crucial. Professional development plays a key role in this by allowing educators to learn from each other's experiences, strategies and insights. By exchanging best practices and discussing challenges, we foster collective problem-solving and gain a deeper understanding of effective teaching methods.

During these experiences, I had the opportunity of meeting many outstanding educators and individuals, making my Ph.D. journey rewarding and fulfilling. I was privileged to have found a community of like-minded and incredible individuals who are committed to the well-being and success of everyone involved. Together, we serve as volunteers with the Office for Graduate Educator Advancement and Teaching (GREAT) advisory group. In this role, I engage with educators from diverse disciplines, exchanging experiences and supporting each other's growth. Additionally, we share insights with new incoming GTAs through orientations and personal interactions, helping them navigate their early days at MSU.

What is one piece of advice you would give other graduate educators?  

Regular reflection is an excellent way for educators to grow and improve, as it encourages constant assessment of teaching methods and openness to feedback from students and mentors. This process facilitates the building of meaningful relationships with students and members of the MSU community, enhancing both personal development and educational effectiveness.

Many people are battling life struggles. Therefore, be kind and cultivate meaningful relationships where students can feel safe in sharing their fears and worries. Don’t compare yourself with others, have healthy competitions, know yourself and do what is best for you.

What do you enjoy in your free time? 

I love to play soccer. Having grown up in a close-knit community with extended family, I value being in conversation with loved ones. I am also passionate about reading purpose-driven, leadership, and finance books. These books hold a special place in my life as they have consistently provided valuable insights and knowledge for my grooming.

What non-academic book are you currently reading/ or is a favorite?

At an INSPIRE Wellness Ambassadors meeting, Dr. Rawal and Dr. Baier mentioned the book “Ikigai” by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles. Although I had heard of it before, I hadn't considered reading it until then. That is the book I am currently reading. “Ikigai” explores the Japanese secret to a long and happy life, focusing on discovering your passion, purpose and practices that can enhance life expectancy. I highly recommend it to everyone.