My Teaching Philosophy – Dr. Janet Alvarez González

I embrace teaching as an opportunity to inspire and empower. As a professor in film, mass media,  and marketing I strive to transform learning into a deeply personal and impactful experience. My goal is for students to leave my courses feeling not just informed, but fundamentally changed.

My teaching experience spans various universities around the world, where I’ve taught mass communications and marketing courses. I’ve developed and delivered lectures and provided personalized guidance to help students achieve their individual goals as artists and communicators. In both classroom and studio settings, I focus on understanding each student’s passions, goals, and challenges. This allows me to tailor an individualized career development plan, often involving team-based projects that enhance their portfolios. I also facilitate opportunities for students to engage in my productions or connect with industry mentors.

In production classes, I might use current international events to discuss my teaching philosophy and spark conversations about learning and empowerment. This approach encourages students to explore societal issues and diversity, leading to the creation of compelling videos, short films, or documentaries. In technical classes, I emphasize positivism, dedication, and excellence, encouraging students to develop high standards for their work and to defend their creative choices with intelligence and passion.

My teaching approach integrates interdisciplinary studies, drawing from film, television, music, arts, literature, news, advertising, marketing research, entrepreneurship, and more. This broad perspective helps students understand how their identities—whether related to gender, race, or other factors—inform their viewpoints as communicators and individuals. I combine strong academic and ethical principles with a practical, professional focus to prepare students for the real world. This includes attending external events like film screenings and conferences to connect with the larger media community.

I utilize state-of-the-art equipment and adapt my methods to engage diverse learning styles. My commitment to mentoring and challenging students is central to my teaching philosophy. I am dedicated to their development and actively involved in their learning process.

My former students have achieved notable success in the media industry, receiving awards such as ACE, Grammys, and Emmys, and working for leading networks like CNN, NBC, Sony, Univision and Telemundo. Their accomplishments are a testament to the effectiveness of my approach.

Learning is a complex and individualized process. I adapt my teaching strategies to meet the needs of each student, course, and context. My goal is to cultivate learning partnerships that foster intellectual growth, curiosity, and action. At both undergraduate and graduate levels, I design courses to maximize student engagement and success, incorporating a range of activities and practical applications.

Respecting diverse perspectives and maintaining professional standards are key elements of my teaching. I require students to sign a class contract that outlines their responsibilities and commitments. I also make myself available through various channels to support student learning and development.

I continuously seek to improve my teaching by gathering student feedback, engaging with peers, and exploring new methods. Teaching, to me, is a privilege that demands humility and respect. It is about opening hearts and minds, and making a lasting impact. I measure my success by students’ ability to view the world through new lenses and think more critically.