David Clurman and Michael Canale
UNIV Instructor David Clurman upholds a commitment to helping new students be as successful as they want to during their first year at UMBC and beyond. He aligns his personal teaching philosophy with the fact that the first year is a critical transition period for students – academically, socially, and personally. Creating a classroom environment where students feel supported, respected, and able to be vulnerable is essential to their support during their transition into college. David believes in a deep connection between learning and students’ sense of belonging and wellbeing. Holding space in every class for students to express highs and lows they are experiencing helps to normalize the challenges college students face, while also building empathy, trust, and community within the classroom. David’s teaching philosophy also revolves around the concepts of student agency, responsibility, and engagement.
Perhaps David says it best. “Rather than directing every choice my students make, my role is to help them understand their options, answer their questions, offer guidance when requested, and provide a strong foundation for success.”
David Clurman is a Contract Administrator in Procurement
Congratulations to David as a 2025-2026 Award Recipient
FYS Instructor Michael Canale grounds his teaching philosophy in the concepts of personal growth and the achievement of human potential. He firmly believes that teaching should be a highly interactive experience where learners fully participate and instructors facilitate while nurturing learners to express themselves. Providing opportunities for students to actively lead the class both in learning and in facilitating discussion is just one way Michael achieves this outcome. Student-directed learning benefits both students and teachers and Michael values mapping content to clear learning outcomes and utilizing innovative teaching pedagogy, while being clear with students about what is expected of them. Creating a classroom environment that is inclusive and helps students understand their own culture as well as the culture of others is also central to Michael’s approach in every class he teaches.
Perhaps Michael says it best. “In my teaching, I focus on engaging students in various learning opportunities, meaning that learning environments need to adapt to the demands of today’s students by being relevant, flexible, and accessible to everyone.”
Michael Canale is an Assistant Director in Student Disability Services
Congratulations to Michael as a 2025-2026 Award Recipient