2016 Teaching Initiative Award Winner

Tracy Mainieri, Ph.D.

Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University (2013)
Associate Professor in Recreation and Park Administration, School of Kinesiology and Recreation

Teaching philosophy

I aim to facilitate safe, engaging learning experiences where students interact with each other, me, the group, and the content of interest to build their own knowledge and experiences, which they could later pass on to others.

Three most valuable approaches that I bring to my teaching practice

Create an engaging, fun environment in which to learn

Setting clear, high expectations for my students and the class

Learning is and should be an iterative, active, collaborative process

Best compliment from a student

“Tracy pushed me harder than any other teacher, but it was worth it.”

Best moment in my teaching career

In response to a question asking students to describe their leadership experiences, one student wrote simply “I am not a leader.” At the end of the course, she wrote “I had qualities to make me an effective leader all along. I just never had the opportunity to apply them until now.” This growth reminded me of the tremendous opportunity and responsibility we have as teachers to support students on their individual journeys of figuring out who they are.

Photo of Tracy Mainieri — “Create a safe environment where students really feel comfortable taking risks, failing, and reflecting and offering a variety of opportunities to do all three!”