Teaching Background

Over the last five years, I had the opportunity work as the teaching assistant and the instructor of record for a variety of undergraduate classes, as well as a pro-masters course where students learn essential communication and technical skills related to public relations, advertising, and mass communication more broadly.

Instructor of Record

Fall 2024

COMM 1003
Introduction to
Mass Media

Spring 2024

JOU 3002
Understanding
Audiences

Fall 2022

PUR 4404C

International
Public Relations

Fall 2024

COMM 3550
Social Media for
Strategic Communication

Fall 2023

JOU 3002
Understanding
Audiences

Summer 2022

PUR 4404C

International
Public Relations

Summer 2024

ADV 3500
Digital
Insights

Summer 2023

ADV 3500
Digital
Insights

Teaching Assistant

- Data Visualization (Spring, 2022, University of Florida)

- International PR (Spring, 2021, University of Florida)

- PR Strategy (Fall, 2020, University of Florida)

- Intro to Film Studies (Spring 2020, Auburn University)

- Public Speaking (Fall 2018, Auburn University)

Student Comments

International PR

"She was always available to help if you had questions. She also gave great feedback! There was a great structure in all of the modules with readings and PowerPoints!"

"She communicated amazingly every week with updating on assignments and checking in on students. Professor Son was very supportive of each student and congratulated them on each assignment. She loves what she does which really made the class enjoyable."

"Thorough PowerPoints that explained the material well."

"I learned how to organize my thoughts and through research structure them into writing for discussions! I also learned how to organize and work well with group members."

"Was able to learn about Public Relations globally instead of hearing about it locally in the U.S. I plan on working internationally so it was nice to hear how PR is constructed in each country."

"Learning about different country's PR approaches was very interesting."

International PR

"The instructor was incredibly invested in the learning experience. She was timely in her responses to any questions. She went over all assignments and lectures thoroughly for the class's best understanding."

"She teaches the class with such passion and love. I am always excited to attend this class and I always walk out learning something new. Rachel Son is an amazing instructor/ professor. She cares for her students and loves what she does. I always feel so loved and heard when I'm in her class. Her material is also very relevant and always relatable to what is going on in our society. 10/10 recommend!"

"Very passionate and knowledgeable in international PR. Her interest was reflected in her teaching as she was always positive and helped to foster a great learning environment."

"I learned how Public Relations strategies and tactics differ between each region of the world. I learned how to approach and analyze PR–related matters for different countries."

International PR

"The instructor was clearly very knowledgeable about the topic and provided sufficient examples to explain topics discussed in lectures. I also thought the speed at which the instructor spoke was helpful when taking notes, as it was not too fast. This was especially important for the lectures for this class since the lectures were presented in a way that made it difficult to go back a re–listen to what was said."

"The instructor was able to handle conflict between students very well and cared about her students."

"the professor was clearly very interested and excited about the course material

great feedback."

"Rachel was very knowledgeable on the topic and was quick to respond to emails with any questions."

"Very enthusiastic about the course."

"Very detailed presentations."

"Professor Son was very kind and clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about this course. I do feel like I learned a lot because of that."

Data Visualization

"The lectures included many engaging visuals and helpful practice exercises with groups."

"Professor Son is very eager to help students who come to her for help, which is greatly appreciated. You can tell she really cares."

"The professor is very enthusiastic about the class and the student's questions."

"Professor Son was very respectful of the students in her class and always gave opportunities for responses or questions while addressing them appropriately."

"The instructor pay attention to the detail of data visualization concepts, which makes me have a deep understanding toward them. Also, the instructor can combine the concepts with concrete examples to illustrate the key points, which also makes me know how to apply data visualization in the real word."

"I think her excitement about the course helped me become more interested as a student. She relates a lot of what we are talking about to her own project she is working on. I think she also includes a lot of relevant examples on her lecture slides."

"Passionate about teaching and making sure students were retaining information. Took the time to help us out individually if we needed the help."

Digital Insights

"She was very engaging for a 4 hour class which is almost impossible to do."

"She had a great communication method and laid out the course in a strong way. Students knew what to expect."

"Professor Son was extremely passionate about the class and the material in lecture. She explained everything thoroughly and also elaborated on lecture info in text via email, ensuring all of us got the content. Professor Son was also understanding and gracious to me when I was sick and had to miss class. Overall, great professor."

"She was very kind and patient."

"She was great and very fast at communicating and grading.

"I tend to like doing courses in person better because I think I learn better through in–person conversation, but I will say that Professor Son did the best to her ability to make it as conversational and hands on as possible when via zoom."

"I think it was taught well and I definitely retained everything I learned in the course. As someone who does not necessarily think data is the most interesting subject, the material, assignments, and lectures definitely intrigued me beyond my expectations."

"My research skills have taken a monumental step forward and I can use this moving forward a lot."

Evaluation Scores

The scores below represent the average score of all student reviews given at the University of Florida for each response item.