Laura Simmons
Associate Professor of Christian Ministries
503-554-6157
lsimmons@georgefox.edu
I have wanted to be a teacher since high school, when I was blessed to learn from some great teachers. I've been thinking about how to teach since college, when I was first exposed to the idea of different learning styles. When I finished my doctoral degree, I wrote letters to all the teachers who had influenced me from grade school to grad school, sharing my memories of their classes. I realized, in looking at what had been important to me as a student, that experiences of 'learning beyond lecture' were central: re-enacting the Continental Congress, putting Frankenstein's monster on trial, investigating the death of Dorothy L. Sayers...learning by doing, learning outside the classroom. When I teach, I hope to create a space in which God can move and students can learn through experience.
Academic Background
BA, University of California, Davis (history with a sociology minor); MA, Fuller Theological Seminary (biblical studies and theology); PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary (practical theology) Dissertation title: "Theology Made Interesting: Dorothy L. Sayers as a Lay Theologian"
Expertise and Research Interests
Dorothy L. Sayers, reconciliation (currently focused on congregational reconciliation after crisis), adult-learning theory, teaching and learning in theological education
Research Bibliography
Published worksWhat to expect in my classes
A collaborative learning environment, snacks and student-led devotions, varied teaching and learning styles ... and high academic standards
What I do when I'm not at George Fox
See the latest movies, engage in "baking therapy," serve in worship ministry at my church, and watch too much reality TV
Favorite web links
- Creed Without Chaos: Exploring Theology In The Writings Of Dorothy L. Sayers by Laura K. Simmons; to purchase from Amazon click here
- Dorothy L. Sayers Society
Courses currently taught
- CHTH 585 Theology of Dorothy L. Sayers
- CMIN 520 Communication in Christian Ministry
- CMIN 530 Christian Ministry for Reconciliation
- CMIN 550 Equipping and Discipleship
- CMIN 560 Principles of Teaching
- CMIN/PSTD 575 Teaching and Ministry Internship
- SFAD 533 Personal Study in Spiritual Formation
- SFAD 585 Spiritual Formation and the Senses
- MLDR 595 Special Study in Ministry Leadership