Teaching
Teaching Philosophy
My approach to teaching is grounded in critical geography, Black Geographies, and performance-based pedagogy. I design classrooms where students engage not only with theory but with embodied knowledge, storytelling, and creative expression. Whether mapping cultural memory through Carnival or using poetry to explore a sense of place, my goal is to make space for students to connect intellectually and personally with the geographies we study.
I believe that geography is not just about maps and data; it is about lived experience. Drawing on diasporic traditions and practices of refusal, I treat the classroom as a site of experimentation, care, and co-production. I invite students to think spatially, feel deeply, and move critically through the world.
Courses Taught
Cultural Anthropology – Upward Bound Program, Summer 2023, 2024 & 2025
Instructor of Record
Designed and taught a course introducing high school students to ethnographic methods, global culture, and the politics of identity. Integrated music and performance traditions to ground concepts in everyday life.
Sustainable Human Geographies – University of Tennessee, Fall 2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Taught classes exploring migration, development, wealth, and human settlements. Brought in diasporic examples and contemporary case studies to deepen student engagement.
World Regional Geography – University of Tennessee, Fall 2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Supported course delivery by responding to student questions, proctoring exams, and managing online assessment systems. Attended lectures to assist with classroom logistics and reinforced key concepts through one-on-one support.
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology – University of Tennessee, Fall 2023 & Spring 2024
Graduate Teaching Associate (Instructor of Record)
Designed and taught an introductory course on cultural anthropology with an emphasis on ethnographic practice, identity, and everyday life. Created original syllabus, lectures, and assessments; incorporated multimedia, class discussion, and culturally responsive pedagogy to foster engagement.
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology – University of Tennessee, Fall 2022 & Spring 2023
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Supported course instruction by leading discussion sections, grading assignments and exams, tutoring students, and holding regular office hours. Assisted with exam proctoring and reinforced key course concepts through small-group engagement.
Mentorship and Recognition
My teaching extends beyond the classroom. As a mentor and advocate, I’ve supported students through the Upward Bound Program and helped foster a sense of community as President of the Caribbean Student Association and Vice President of the Multicultural Graduate Student Organization at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I believe mentorship is not just guidance; it is a practice of care, solidarity, and imagination.
I have also benefited from mentorship myself. As a participant in the Full STEAM Ahead Mentorship Program, a National Science Foundation-funded initiative led by faculty at Howard University, I gained cross-disciplinary insight into the geosciences. I was later invited to speak on a Presidential Session panel at the 2025 American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting, discussing inclusive pathways in academia.
My efforts have been recognized with the Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching Award, the John Lewis Student Leadership Award, and other honors that reflect my commitment to student support, public scholarship, and educational justice.
Student Testimonials
“There hasn’t been one class or discussion group where I walked away feeling like I didn’t learn something. I will always remember this class… I’ve taken so much from it and I am so sad that it is over.”
— Undergraduate Student, UTK
“After each of your lessons, I truly felt inspired. Your class opened my eyes to a whole new perspective that I plan to carry with me moving forward.”
— Upward Bound Student
“Brian was the best TA I’ve ever had at UTK. He’s the only reason I did okay in the class and was extremely helpful.”
— Student Evaluation
“I had taken a similar course before… but honestly, I didn’t enjoy it. Your teaching made the subject clear, interesting, and applicable to my everyday life.”
— Upward Bound Student
“Mr. Boyce was a great TA. He really wanted all of us to succeed and he motivated me to do my best in this course.”
— Student Evaluation
“Mr. Boyce is a good teacher… He employs various strategies in the class to get students to see and understand subject matter, making use of film, discussion, and lecturing.”
— Faculty Reviewer, Dr. Tamar Shirinian
“Brian demonstrated great teaching abilities… His adept facilitation significantly contributed to creating an environment that encouraged voluntary student participation.”
— Faculty Reviewer, Dr. Yangseung Jeong
