In my teaching, research, and artmaking, I draw from the concept of nepantla, a Nahuatl term meaning "the place in the middle," as articulated by poet-activist Gloria Anzaldúa. This concept describes a space where distinct perspectives converge, allowing for the questioning of core ideas and identities. It is a space where new ways of knowing emerge, transcending societal and cultural constructs of identity.
From nepantla, my identities as Mexican, Filipino, American, Woman, Artist, Scholar, and Teacher interact to challenge my internalized beliefs about what it means to embody these roles. This introspection is evident in both my writing and artwork. To interrogate my notions of what it means to be a “good” artist—shaped by a traditional, Eurocentric K-12 art education—I experiment with various materials and techniques. Through collage and conceptual exploration, I create self-portraits that blend different aspects of my thinking and work, resulting in something uniquely new.
To see more of my creative work, follow @teetasdoodles on Instagram.
Teaching Statement
Interacting with Students
Building relationships is fundamental to my teaching philosophy and serves as the cornerstone for creating an inclusive learning environment. I want my students to feel like capable, valued individuals who trust that I will help them toward their goals. To establish these relationships, I administer a baseline survey at the beginning of the course to gauge their prior knowledge and interests. Additionally, I utilize regular check-ins at the beginning of each class to ensure that everyone has what they need physically, mentally, and emotionally, to be successful in class that day. Furthermore, I engage in content-based discussions while also providing insights on topics that may fall outside our usual syllabus to get to know the students on a more personal level. This, in my view, is the most effective way to foster and model an inclusive classroom where students feel a sense of belonging, confidence, and agency.
Assessment
I offer various modes of assessment to accommodate student choice and amplify student voice. Assessments span from traditional approaches like written reflections and oral presentations to contemporary methods such as video diaries and journey journals. While I aim to prepare students for conventional job interviews and applications that may demand traditional written and oral assessments, I highly value the authenticity inherent in visual or reflective assessments. These assessments not only offer a more profound comprehension of student understanding and progress, but also empower students to be reflective and have greater control over their learning. Moreover, although I have predefined rubrics and success criteria in mind for various projects, I actively involve students in their assessment process by conducting one-on-one discussions about works in progress, providing personalized feedback, and creating opportunities for students to revise assignments and advocate for their final grades.
Accommodations
In addition to the previously mentioned efforts to incorporate student choice and regular check-ins to ensure students’ needs are being met, I provide various accommodations to enhance the learning experience. These accommodations include the use of visual and written aids in presentations, offering asynchronous and virtual attendance options, and encouraging collaboration through partnerships or groups for more intensive assignments. Moreover, I actively promote the utilization of native languages and cultural examples, fostering an environment that supports students in comprehending and engaging with new content effectively.
Goals for Students
Ideally, my students will leave my class with the essential tools for their initial job interviews - such as thoughtful lesson plans, a comprehensive understanding of their teacher certification process, and experience presenting and modeling projects for students - as well as the critical-thinking skills and compassion required to become change-makers and curriculum designers on their future campuses. My overarching goal is for students to feel confident and empowered in their classrooms, inspiring them to look beyond scripted curriculum and make meaningful connections with and for their students and communities.
For more information about my teaching, please follow @msuartedu on Instagram.
I think the class has given me a stronger sense of leadership as well. Dr. Allen was excellent in providing guidance and support in developing those skills, helping me grow both as an educator and as a leader. (MSU student, 2025)
Dr. Allen designed a cohesive course that set us up for success, but more than that she was a phenomenal professor. She was professional and personable, and she built meaningful relationships with all of us. She created a safe, supportive space that encouraged our creativity, welcomed our questions, and made us feel like our voices mattered. She led by example and made us all want to show up and give our best. (MSU student, 2025).
Dr. Allen is the biggest advocate for my learning and my development as a teacher. she goes way above and beyond of what this school is expecting her to do for us. I would not be as good of shape that I’m in now if it wasn’t for her. (MSU student, 2025)
Andrea was a great Professor. She involved lots of hands on work and field trips into our curriculum to help her students understand more about art. I would recommend her class to any prospective students looking to take this class. (UH student, 2023)
I enjoyed this class but mostly because of the way Professor Allen taught it. She gave us projects and site visits to do and go see which made it more fun than my other classes. I also enjoyed the professor's reassurance that she understands how much work we have and that she's willing to work with us as well as how discussion based class days were. (UH student, 2023)
Prof. Allen was a very dedicated teacher to her students, she was always available to her students and was very responsible with grading and answering questions about her class. Although, I was expecting to learn different content from this class, prof. Allen was effective in contributing to the enrichment of her students' knowledge of art. She is one of the few instructors at UH that I would say left a permanent mark on my life because of her positivity in class and her caring attitude. (UH student, 2022)
I really enjoyed the content that we explored over the course of the semester. Had weather not gotten in the way, I think the art walk would have been a good experience, as I haven't really gotten a chance to really examine the art on campus. Furthermore, [her] encouragement of interaction between us was appreciated. While I'm a bit of a shy speaker, I do like to see professors encouraging conversation between their students. 'Twas a dope course. (UH student, 2022)
