Teaching
In all my interactions with students, my goal is to provide a supportive space where individuals from all backgrounds feel encouraged to share their insights and ideas.
I approach teaching with the mindset that I can learn from students as much as they can learn from me.
My goals as an instructor are threefold:
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Foster critical thinking
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Develop problem solving skills
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Connect the classroom to the community
Fall 2024:
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Comparative Corrections (John Jay College of Criminal Justice)
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Juvenile Corrections (John Jay College of Criminal Justice)
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Trauma & Trauma-Informed Care in the Juvenile Justice System (Rutgers University)
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Spring 2024:
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Comparative Corrections (John Jay College of Criminal Justice)
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Juvenile Corrections (John Jay College of Criminal Justice)
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Pathways Through the Juvenile Justice System (Rutgers University)
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Courses Taught: ​
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Race, Class, & Gender in Corrections (John Jay College of Criminal Justice)
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Comparative Corrections (John Jay College of Criminal Justice)
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Pathways Through the Juvenile Justice System (Rutgers University)
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Delinquency & Juvenile Justice (Rutgers University)
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Women and Crime (University of Cincinnati)
Courses Assisted:
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Human Trafficking (University of Cincinnati)
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Women and Crime (University of Cincinnati)
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Research Methods (Arizona State University)
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Introduction to Criminal Justice (Arizona State University)
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Crime Control Policies (Arizona State University)
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Statistical Analysis (Arizona State University)
Average Course Evaluation Score
8.72 out of 9
“Getting the opportunity to listen to guest speakers in the fields of social work, corrections, therapy, etc., and hearing about what goes on with those careers [was the best part of this course]"
​“I really enjoyed learning specifically about women in the CJ field whether that be from a criminal or career view. In my other CJ classes, it’s about both genders. As a female myself, I enjoyed learning this view.”
"Professor McKenna is by far my favorite professor I ever had. I could tag her for more stuff like caring and respected cause she is. The class was very interesting and so is the final project. The class was amazing and I highly recommend her to anyone."
"I think the most enjoyable activity was the art in prison lessons. When completing that activity I was able to see some very impressive pieces created by incarcerated individuals and I also saw how some of the work can symbolize their views on prison such as being internally free or acknowledging their guilt and wrongdoings. In addition to that, I also enjoy art such as drawing, sketching, or painting."
Comparative Corrections student, reflecting on re-entry planning activity
“In conclusion, this was my first time hearing about Ruth Bader Ginsberg and I loved every second of the documentary. I was uneducated on the feminist group and their breakthroughs to provide an equal life for me and every generation after. learning what I have about the ability to speak up for all people has given me the belief that my voice does and will matter when I am able to make a difference in this country. I hope to fall into Ruth's footsteps and fight for the same rights to be protected and respected in all corners of life.”
Women & Crime student, reflecting on the
RBG Hulu documentary
Syllabi
Beyond these courses, I have guest lectured on the following topics:
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International Correctional Practices
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Juvenile Transfers & Adultification
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Gender & Juvenile Justice
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Trauma-Informed Approaches to Juvenile Justice
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Trauma-Informed Responses to Human Trafficking
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Trauma-Informed Corrections
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Labeling Theory & Media
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Conflict Theory & Media
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Exposure to Violence & Cycle of Violence in Juveniles
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Social Consequences of Racist Science
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Social Learning Theory & Crime