Teaching

I design my courses for students to develop frameworks to think sociologically about society’s most pressing problems.

My modalities are structured around the philosophy that our abilities as both budding professionals and as global citizens improve when we are informed and able to consider good-faith arguments with which we may not agree and respectfully articulate reasons, logic, or facts guiding in a different direction.

My mission as an educator is to foster an inclusive classroom environment that allows students to learn, share, and develop critical thinking and writing skills in order to effectively articulate their developing positions on these topics.

Developing a foundation of knowledge and refining professional communication skills in classroom settings will help students in their future work life, and help effective communication strategies with friends, family, and the larger global community.

Giving a talk on dissertation research in 2021

Student testimonials

  • “Hands down one of the best classes I have taken at UT. Professor Friedman is knowledgeable and disseminates information clearly and in an appealing way. "This may be my favorite class taken at UT."

    Student in Punishment & Society

  • “Professor Friedman was and is an astounding teacher. She did a really amazing job of explaining topics that we often dense, complex, and difficult to understand. I have learned so much from her. If I had the opportunity to take her class again, I would. Once again, overall amazing Professor!!”

    Student in Punishment & Society

  • "I really enjoyed how this TA was extremely engaging and receptive to what the students had to say within the classroom. She respected everyone's backgrounds and cultivated an environment free of ridicule and peer judgment."

    Student in Visual Sociology

  • "I appreciated her comments on my assignments as they were clear and concise and helped me understand why I got the grade I received. She was helpful to me when I had questions regarding upcoming grades, and I could tell she had a high interest in the course's material."

    Student in Visual Sociology

  • "I really appreciate how passionate you are about the material, the extra information and perspective that you brought as a lawyer, and how kind and sensitive you were about tough subjects. You were easy to reach and willing to help and talk about anything."

    Student in Social Psychology and the Law

  • "Ilana was a great TA. She was knowledgeable, always able to help, timely, and was kind. Overall she did a great job and was super clear and respectful."

    Student in Sociology of Criminal Justice

  • "This was second time having Ilana as a TA, and she has been one of the best/most knowledgeable in my time here at UT."

    Student in Criminology

  • "I loved having Ilana as my TA. I attended her exam review sessions, where she helped clear up any confusion about the exam. I have also attended her office hours, where she has gone over my short answers and gave helpful feedback that I could use for my next exam. Very informative and knowledgeable about criminal justice. I would take a class from her."

    Student in Sociology of Criminal Justice

  • "Ilana is an extremely knowledgeable TA on the subject matter and is highly qualified in the field. It was an honor to get to have such a talented TA who was always available to clarify course material and was helpful and efficient. Thank you for a great semester! "

    Student in Criminology

  • "Ilana was one of the most knowledgeable TAs I have ever had at UT. Her legal background and clear interest in these issues made her a very effective TA. She also seemed to really care about her students!"

    Student in Social Psychology and the Law

  • "Ilana, thank you for being so engaged in our class every day. I always appreciated your feedback and expertise on the issues and the clear answers you always gave. Additionally, I appreciate the kind, charismatic, and upbeat spirit you brought to the class and office hours.

    Student in Social Psychology and the Law

Teaching Experience

Assistant Professor of Law*, 2023-present

  • Criminal Law

  • Criminal Procedure

  • Policing & Society

    *At the J. David Rosenberg College of Law, the University of Kentucky

Assistant Instructor, 2022-2023

  • Punishment & Society

Teaching Assistant, 2018-2023

  • Visual Sociology, Becky Pettit (Fall 2018)         

  • Sociology of Criminal Justice, William Kelly (Spring 2019, Fall 2020, Summer 2021, Fall 2022, Spring 2023)

  • Introduction to Social Research, Ronald Angel (Fall 2019)

  • Punishment & Society, Ilya Slavinski (Spring 2020)

  • Social Psychology & the Law, Mary Rose (Spring 2021)

  • Criminology, Chantal Hailey (Fall 2021)

Teaching Assistant, McCombs School of Business, 2020

  • Organizational Behavior (Summer 2020)

Content, strategy, and writing tutor, University of Texas Athletic Department, 2019-present

Texas Prison Education Initiative, 2019-2020

  • Volunteer Co-instructor

Graduate student mentor, 2019-present

  • Undergraduate mentor to senior capstone projects, Department of Sociology

Graduate Student Thesis Tutor, Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Saint Louis University, 2016

 

Sharing dissertation research in 2021

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Classroom

In class, we frequently talk about word choice, and one specific DEI strategy I promote from the first day of class is using person-centered language.

I also use other engagement and inclusion strategies like short videos and podcast episodes to incorporate diverse learning styles and visual and audio learners.

These various modalities expand who students hear from by offering varied perspectives from local community members, those outside of Kentucky, and from people around the world.

I take my responsibility of teaching to different learning styles and a diverse student body seriously.