Philosophy
Melissa Foote is a lover of autonomy and authenticity! She’s curious, passionate, and joyful about philosophy and about learning. She’s been sharing that excitement with her students for over fifteen years. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys music, horror, comics, games, art, dancing, reading, writing, and walking around.
How has your community college teaching experience shaped your character over your career?
Teaching at community colleges for over fifteen years has taught me the value of thoughtfulness and open-mindedness. Community college students come into our classrooms at different phases in their academic (and life) journeys. They have had a wide variety of experiences, and their perspectives and beliefs reflect these differences. It allows us to have more open conversations about important topics and issues, with the goal of understanding and collaboration. I am curious about my students, and their worldviews. Community college students also require compassion and patience, when life is pulling them in multiple different directions, and they work hard to succeed in our courses. It is important for me to give them autonomy to be themselves, and give them the support, encouragement, and wisdom they need to be successful.