I have been an educator in one way or another since 2009, when I began teaching for a Youth Theatre program for ages 5-18. For that program, I developed classes in stage craft, sound design, acting, movement, and even an introduction to Bunraku Puppetry – an area I studied in my undergraduate education. It was challenging, fun, and a joy to work with young people. I continued on to become an Adjunct Professor in 2013 at the University of Utah, promoted to Assistant Professor in 2017, and then Associate Professor in 2022. Over these years, I have learned an incredible amount about teaching and the need to evolve to meet the needs of an everchanging student population. I have learned to work in a higher education setting - collaborating with colleagues and students, navigating administration, funding, and even what it takes to help open a new performance space. And, I have learned perhaps the most from my students themselves. My students have helped me to craft better lessons, better assignments, find more resources, and to think differently about my approach at times. If I distill those experiences down, three important teaching concepts emerge. As an educator, the elements that are paramount in how I teach are meeting each student where they are at, creating a supportive environment, and making space for failure. I work hard to provide these to every student.