Tracy Frame, PharmD, BCACP
Belmont University Director of Interprofessional Education
"Dr. Frame, can I talk with you? I haven’t told anyone this because I don’t want to be judged, but I am in recovery from heroin for almost 10 years now."
This pivotal moment stands out among the many experiences that have shaped my development as an educator over the past 13 years. I believe it sums up the impact a supportive educational environment can have on a learner’s journey. When a learner feels safe enough to share such a significant part of their life, it reinforces the importance of valuing every individual, both within and outside of the classroom.
My teaching philosophy is deeply influenced by my mother, who dedicated her life to her students. From her, I learned that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. I strive to create a nurturing environment where each learner feels supported, recognizing that they are unique individuals with their own stories, backgrounds, and challenges.
Over my 13 years in academia, I have embraced various strategies to promote inclusivity. Fostering personal connections as one of these strategies is, I believe, critical. Sharing my own vulnerabilities has been transformative in this, as being open about my own experiences and challenges, I invite learners to connect with me on a deeper level. As a result, I often find myself engaging in meaningful conversations outside of the learning environment, where people feel comfortable sharing their personal struggles with me—be it with mental health, relationships, family dynamics, or other challenges they have going on in their lives. I have learned these connections are especially vital in a time when mental health is increasingly recognized as a serious concern. By engaging with students holistically, we can support them in becoming thoughtful individuals who find value and purpose in themselves.
Establishing these personal connections then cultivates a learning space that encourages openness and creates a culture of trust. This environment empowers learners to take risks, ask questions, and express their thoughts on certain topics or content without fear of serious consequence or judgement. I foster this culture by encouraging open discussion which often leads to meaningful dialogue and a sense of community among learners. I make it a point to recognize achievements, no matter how small, and encourage participation by supporting a learner’s contribution to the classroom or when caring for a patient. When I notice a student seems withdrawn or is having a rough day, I take a moment to check in with them. A simple, “Are you okay?” can make a significant difference in letting them know their well-being matters to me and in turn, building that shared trust.
Listening is fundamental to effective teaching and fosters inclusivity. Creating an environment where students can approach me with any concern knowing I will listen is essential for promoting engagement and growth as a learner. I actively seek feedback from students with diverse backgrounds and experiences, which helps me adjust my teaching methods to better meet their needs. For instance, I’ve recognized the discomfort expressed by some of my female students or anxious students in a physical assessment course. I can provide them with more private spaces, ensuring they feel acknowledged and respected during their learning process. This small adjustment fosters a supportive environment where every learner feels heard and important.
Discussions through the years with students has revealed that there are diverse learning styles and perspectives in the learning environment. Recognizing these different learning styles is important in creating an inclusive learning environment. Each student’s background influences their learning journey, and I strive to accommodate this diversity by incorporating various teaching modalities that students tell me are helpful, such as active learning modalities or collaborative activities. By employing different approaches, I aim to enhance engagement and inclusivity across a spectrum of learning preferences.
Creating an inclusive environment in education truly requires a commitment to understanding each student. By nurturing personal connections, building shared trust, actively listening, and adapting our teaching approaches, we foster an educational atmosphere where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Students are then empowered to thrive both academically and personally on their journeys to become compassionate, holistic practitioners who are equipped to care for diverse populations.