Every time we make the classroom more accessible, we make it easier for traditionally oppressed or excluded students to continue with their education, progress and grow.
Rachel Harsin Adjunct Instructor
- Adjunct
Rachel, a Midwesterner living in southern Illinois near St. Louis, holds a B.A. in Film Studies, an M.A. in Media Literacy and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in English with a focus on rhetoric and composition. She dreams of teaching in higher education and running a writing center, fueled by her love for teaching and tutoring. Rachel intertwines her passion for movies, television and media literacy with her academic pursuits. An avid attendee of pop-culture conventions, particularly those focused on The Vampire Diaries universe, she also enjoys dressing up for holidays and baking. Family is paramount to her, and she adores spoiling her niece and nephews, along with her cherished cat, Rascal.
A Conversation with Rachel
What is your teaching philosophy?
It is the duty of the teacher to make the classroom more accessible for all. We do this by grounding our courses in concepts that address structures of powers to battle the status quo from within the classroom. This includes fighting racism, sexism and oppression of minorities using methods of inclusivity. Part of making education accessible is making the classroom accessible, which is incumbent upon the teacher. Making the classroom accessible means making it accessible to all, no matter their race, class, physical disabilities, neurodivergence, sexual orientation or gender identity. Every time we make the classroom more accessible, we make it easier for traditionally oppressed or excluded students to continue with their education, progress and grow. As a result, every time we make the classroom more accessible, we fight the oppressive structures of power upholding the status quo.
What kind of assignments/activities do you use in your class?
My courses do not have a final exam; instead, we have a final portfolio comprised of revised essays and reflections. We emphasize the writing process during our four main essays, so we have writing activities that are for brainstorming, outlining, peer reviewing and revising. Reading is also important in my classes, so we have weekly discussions about our readings for the week.
Educational Background:
- M.A. Media Literacy, Webster University
- B.A. Film Studies, Webster University
Professional Experience:
- Adjunct Instructor, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2024-present
- Part-time English Instructor, Southwestern Illinois College, starting August 2024
- Writing Consultant, Saint Louis University's University , 2024-present
- Graduate Assistant Teacher of Record, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2023
- Assistant Director (GAR), Writing Center, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2022-2023
Awards and Honors:
- Dean's List every semester during undergraduate
- Department of Electronic and Photographic Media Honors (B.A.)
- Summa Cum Laude University Honors (B.A.)
- Graduate Honors (M.A.)