Teaching Philosophy
My goal as a professor is to teach well enough that students see learning the same way as Zora Neale Hurston: as a way to grow their curiosity and find their purpose. I believe that the primary mission of a teacher is to enable students to gain the tools they need to be engaged in the content being presented in order to learn the material so it may help them become more successful in their careers. My teaching philosophy centers on facilitating an engaging, fun, relevant, and equitable environment through four main principles: applicability, independence, interest, and communication. I view teaching as collaborative, in which both the students learn from each other and where I can learn from the students as well.
Student Feedback
“I think that your feedback on assignments being so thoughtful and thorough made me want to go above and beyond on assignments so thank you! I also really appreciated how you treated us and were so receptive of our feedback, concerns, time and everything!”
“You are, by far, one of my favorite professors. You can tell that you have a love for the subject and that inspired me to perform in the class.”
“There is nothing I hated about this class, I wish there was just more. This has been my favorite class I have ever had!”
“Professor R was very down-to-earth. She understood that we had lives outside of school. She always asked how our day was going, and she didn’t give us an unreasonable amount of homework. She was passionate about the subject, which I feel like a lot of teachers aren’t that passionate about what they teach these days. She did a good job at providing feedback. I enjoyed her as my instructor.”
“One of the best professors I’ve had in college so far. She goes the extra mile to accommodate everyones needs by adapting the class every week. She asks for our feedback as much as she gives her own.”
“Absolutely one of the best professors I have ever had!”
“This class was not your typical class. That’s why I liked it. I thought the class was able to bring out my creativity which most classes don’t allow. Loved learning about entrepreneurship, the teacher was awesome, and I had a fun time overall. My favorite class taken at UT so far.”
“Professor R has been one of my favorite professors in my 3 years at UT. She is kind, welcoming, but also straight forward. She is an advocate for her students which speaks more than words.”
“I think Professor R is the epitome of what a Professor should be. She treats us as more than a number. Tennessee has a rough time of doing that, but she treats us like adults. Very glad I took this course.”
“One of the best business instructors I have ever had. She was extremely nice to students and was always very clear with her expectations as well as understanding of student schedules. I know she is a graduate teacher; however, I think she would be a huge addition to the entrepreneurship sector of the Haslam College of Business.”
“I loved this class. It helped me to realize that entrepreneurship is something I love and I really enjoyed having you as a professor. You made learning and being engaged really easy and fun. This class was for sure one of the better experiences I have had with a professor while being at UTK.”
“This has been my favorite class in college so far and I just want to thank you for always being so interesting and relatable and understanding.”
“I just want to say thank you for always willing to work with us… You have been the most thoughtful and understanding professor and I have thoroughly enjoyed this class and all of the creativity you allow us to have.”
“Genuinely, you have made my last semester at the university wonderful. I am so glad I could take this class with you.”
“We notice when a teacher really cares about us and when they work very hard to make the classroom a place for growth. I wish you taught more classes in ENTR but I will be thankful for the few months I had you as a professor.”
“I have enjoyed your class so much this semester. You have time and time again gone out of your way to help your students. The feedback you give is always very helpful and well thought out. Every time I saw an entire essay written out to explain how we could do better I was like DANG! she really cares. Or when you encouraged us with the work we did…”
“Professor R is one of the best professors I have ever had and one of my favorites. She cares so much about what our ideas are and always has amazing feedback to help us in the future. I cannot recommend her enough.”
“This class and professor were my favorite of college so far. The class meetings were organized and impactful, grading was tough but fair based on effort and recollection of class material, and all lessons and projects were relevant and fun! This class enhanced my love for entrepreneurship because of Professor R’s passion and experience.”
“Professor Roccapriore did a really great job supporting us in and out of class. She was quick to reply to any emails and she had a better Zoom game than any of my other professors.”
“Professor R, you did a fantastic job teaching this class. You were always so welcoming and provided valuable feedback on every assignment. I could really tell you cared about your students. I’ve loved being in this class this semester!”
“Ashley Roccapriore has been a great teacher. She has been super understanding and helpful during these difficult circumstances. I appreciate that she is very organized, so the class sessions always go smoothly. I also like the fact that she has been able to relate her own entrepreneurial experience to class topics. Her feedback on assignments is always very helpful.”