As a teacher, I am committed to facilitating collective experiences in which students acquire the skills necessary to critically assess the world around them. In practice, this commitment incorporates three aims. First, I aim to make the course material relevant for the students by helping them draw connections between their lives and lessons at hand. Second, I strengthen analytical thinking and communication skills through iterative research and writing projects, as well as oral presentations. Third, I strive to make the classroom a place where all students feel comfortable interacting with me and one another.
I have received an outstanding instructor award for my work teaching with the University of California, Berkeley Department of Geography. At Berkeley, I designed and taught an upper level undergraduate course called Geographies of China's Economic Development. I also taught in undergraduate courses on World Geography and Development Studies courses. I have also designed an M.A. course called International Urban Environments as well as undergraduate courses on Urban Political Ecology, Environmental Studies, and Cities in Developing Countries. My teaching interests include: Environmental Geography, Urban Geography, Political Ecology, Global Studies, Asian Studies, Chinese Studies. I have given public lectures across East Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North America.
STUDENT TEACHING EVALUATION TESTIMONIALS
"Jesse is a GREAT teacher. He created intellectually engaging atmosphere and made it easy to participate. He made sure we understood his comments and graded fairly."
"He is not only passionate about the subject matter, but he clearly enjoys teaching and is invested in the learning process of his students. Very receptive feedback and was always open to questions, both in lecture, discussions, group work, and documentaries. He is able to explain complex topics and make them accessible to non-geography majors."
"Jesse was really effective and he made the class very interesting. I learned a lot in class and I would recommend this class to everybody. He was extremely organized and was helpful having office hours."
"Jesse has a natural talent as an instructor. The only way he could be better is if his handwriting improved."
"One of the best instructors I have had at Cal. Very responsible and responsive to student's concerns and questions."
"Jesse is a GREAT teacher. He created intellectually engaging atmosphere and made it easy to participate. He made sure we understood his comments and graded fairly."
"He is not only passionate about the subject matter, but he clearly enjoys teaching and is invested in the learning process of his students. Very receptive feedback and was always open to questions, both in lecture, discussions, group work, and documentaries. He is able to explain complex topics and make them accessible to non-geography majors."
"Jesse was really effective and he made the class very interesting. I learned a lot in class and I would recommend this class to everybody. He was extremely organized and was helpful having office hours."
"Jesse has a natural talent as an instructor. The only way he could be better is if his handwriting improved."
"One of the best instructors I have had at Cal. Very responsible and responsive to student's concerns and questions."
