I have developed my pedagogy over three years of teaching at Brooklyn College and Baruch College, both of the City University of New York (CUNY). CUNY is one of the most diverse university systems in the country, with a majority-minority, largely first-generation student population. My aims as an educator are for students to develop a command of the course material and to acquire the skills needed to be critical thinkers and engaged citizens or residents. The majority of time in my classes is devoted to dialogue-based learning and close readings of texts; and through structured research assignments I encourage students to delve deeper into the issues that are important to them.