Teaching Portfolio
Teaching Philosophy
As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the transformative power of education. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education should not only inform but transform. My primary goals as an educator are to cultivate critical thinking, inspire curiosity, and nurture a mindset of lifelong learning. I aim to encourage students to think beyond conventional boundaries and find creative solutions to complex problems, preparing them to be adaptive thinkers in an ever-changing world.
Methods and Strategies:
I believe that every student learns differently, and creativity is essential in reaching these diverse learners. My approach is learner-centered, simplifying complex concepts into meaningful pieces that the brain can easily connect with. Drawing from a constructivist perspective, I see learning as an active, engaging process, where multimedia designs, digital learning tools, interactive experiences, and collaborative learning play a pivotal role. I encourage students to take ownership of their learning by offering opportunities for thoughtful engagement and active participation.
Lifelong Learning:
As a someone who loves to learn, I am committed to continually improving my teaching methods. I seek out opportunities for professional growth and actively create new content to keep my courses fresh, engaging, and aligned with the latest developments in education. Ultimately, I aim to inspire in my students the same sense of curiosity, passion, and critical thinking that has guided me throughout my academic and professional journey.
Instructional Visual Aid Designed by Professor Kristen- James Marcia's Adolescent Identity Development
Courses Taught
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This course introduces the learner to diverse concepts in psychology and the many psychological processes that influence humans throughout the life span. Topics discussed include the following: foundations; development; sensation, perception, and states of consciousness; learning, memory, and thinking, motivation and emotion; personality, abnormal psychology, and psychotherapy; social behavior; and statistical reasoning.
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This course provides a fundamental overview of developmental psychology to provide the student with a knowledge base for how psychology influences the client and their health. This course relates the Nursing Process to developmental psychological influences throughout the life span and examines psychological theories and perspectives. This course examines how individuals develop throughout their lifetime, from infancy to old age and includes both physical and cognitive development. Students will use the learning resource center/library to choose a developmental theorist and write a two-page paper concerning the relevancy of the theoretical perspective on the children of the twenty-first century. This introductory course will give the practical nursing student the knowledge base to understand how individuals develop throughout their life and how that development impacts health status.
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This course studies cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of individuals and families throughout the lifespan. The course explores the seven major periods of life-span development (infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood) and the cultural, social and religious influences in each phase of development. The course also provides an overview of the significant biosocial, cognitive, and psychological events for each major period of development, as well as, how they impact human development. Students will be introduced to a variety of developmental theories, including Freud, Erickson, Piaget, Maslow, Kolhberg, Havighurst, and others.
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This course introduces the concepts of pharmacology. The focus is on the basic principles of biophysics, biochemistry and physiology related to drug action and interaction, distribution, metabolism and toxicity. The course will cover pharmacological agents used in the treatment of illness and the promotion, maintenance and restoration of wellness. Special consideration in the course will be given to drug administration, monitoring of physiological, psychological, and sociological effects of agents, and interactions and adverse effects of each drug classification.
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This course is a continuation of Human Body in Health and Disease I. It covers the study of the structure and function and relationship of disease on the nervous, respiratory, digestive system and endocrine systems, as well as development, metabolism, electrolytes and acid base balance. In addition, the course explores the human body and disease with respect to growth and development, male and female reproductive systems and heredity disease.
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A weekly workshop designed to empower students through test anxiety stress reduction techniques, time management skills, and test-taking strategies to prepare nursing students for the NCLEX.
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This course introduces the study of culture in today’s society. Specifically, the course reviews basic sociological concepts, social processes and structural and functional aspects of social groups, including religious, cultural and societal values and beliefs. The course also explores the social and cultural meanings of death, funeral customs, mortality and morbidity statistics, contemporary issues and modern treatment of dying persons (including hospice), and processes of grief and bereavement.
Course Evaluations
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“Our class collectively loves Prof Johnson. Hands down...the best!!!”
— Student Evaluation, Summer 2025
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“Professor Johnson makes this class relatable and very interactive. She includes everyone and shows she wants you to succeed. Her lectures are detailed and never biased on sensitive subjects. She is always courteous and supportive.”
— Student Evaluation, Summer 2025
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“Kristen was amazing again! This was my second time having her as an instructor, and she didn't disappoint. She's super knowledgeable, helpful and makes learning fun and engaging. Thanks Kristen for another great class!”
— Student Evaluation, Winter 2024
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“She's an awesome teacher and easy to communicate with. I wish I could have her teach all of my classes”
— Student Evaluation, Winter 2024
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“It is always a pleasure having Kristen as in instructor. Kristen is very patient and informative. Everything was perfect”
— Student Evaluation, Winter 2024
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“She is lovely and understanding.”
— Student Evaluation, Winter 2024
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“You’re an awesome teacher”
— Student Evaluation, Winter 2024
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"Thank you for all the time and effort you put into teaching us. thanks for your encouragement and guidance, I feel much more confident in my nursing skills."
— Student Evaluation, Fall 2024
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"She was a great teacher, she was down to earth and wanted nothing but the best for us to succeed. And I wish she was teaching other classes."
— Student Evaluation, Fall 2024
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"Ms. Kristen Johnson is an amazing teacher. Not only does the way she teaches make you as a student understand but also she is very patient and cares about her students. The videos she posted were very informative. I enjoyed her class!"
— Student Evaluation, Fall 2024
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"It was a pleasure, and Thank you for being informative and patient with all of us. Keep doing great things."
— Student Evaluation, Fall 2024
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"Kristen is great and a wonderful teacher!!!"
— Student Evaluation, Fall 2024
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"Kristen is a great instructor. She was perfect."
— Student Evaluation, Fall 2024
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"ALL OUT GREAT TEACHER!!!"
— Student Evaluation, Fall 2024
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"Great class"
— Student Evaluation, Fall 2024
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"Kristen was great" — Student Evaluation, Fall 2024
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"I love this course. Kristen was fun and very detailed. I enjoyed her class and she enjoyed us she made the classes very fun while learning"
— Student Evaluation, Fall 2024
Faculty Evaluations
Faculty Evaluations
“I really enjoyed your psychology class, it was very interactive, interesting, and you have a great charm and personality that is inviting to students. This was one of the best classes I have sat in on in a while....WELL DONE!!!!”
—Martin Dineen MSN, RN, Faculty Evaluator
As both a virtual and in-person instructor, I create an energetic, real-time learning environment where students are constantly interacting and exploring ideas together. Live discussions are at the heart of this, giving students the chance to dive deep into course topics while exchanging insights and offering peer feedback in the moment. I mix things up with multimedia assignments, such as virtual presentations and digital/ hands-on storytelling, which allows students to showcase their creativity and apply concepts in meaningful ways. Reflective journaling encourages them to pause, think critically, and connect their learning to personal experiences. To keep things fun and engaging, I use virtual and in-person and games during live sessions, sparking excitement and encouraging active participation.
These methods help build a vibrant, collaborative classroom where students feel motivated and connected.
Real-Time Engagement and Interactive Learning Assignments
Student Work Samples