Cornell University

As a Teaching Assistant at Cornell University, I've discovered my passion for teaching sociology and inspiring students to explore the social structures and inequalities within their own society. I've had the privilege of serving as a TA for several core courses, including Introduction to Sociology, Controversies About Inequality, and Social Inequality. In 2024, I received the Department Excellence in Teaching Award for my work with students. Beyond traditional classroom instruction, I currently lead a research lab for undergraduate students focused on analyzing American Christian Fiction, providing mentorship in research methodologies while exploring the intersection of Christian literature and American culture.

Students have consistently responded positively to my teaching approach and mentorship, as reflected in their course evaluations:

Student Comment from Introduction to Sociology (2024) - “My TA, Brian Wilson Haggard, is an amazing teacher. He is extremely approachable and easy going, and makes it abundantly possible for students to feel comfortable enough to come to him or ask questions. His initial goal of not just teaching sociology, but giving us the tools to potentially be kinder and more compassionate, resonated with me as that is my desire when learning about issues like these. He is eloquent and extremely efficient at communicating and breaking down the information while also being engaging and interesting. Overall, absolutely nothing I would change, and is damn near perfect as a teacher”

Student Comment from Intro to Sociology (2023) - “The class itself could have been structured better, I think this was more of a history of sociology course than a sociology class. The lectures were un-engaging and I felt the testing was not the most productive. Section, however, was amazing. Brian Haggard is such an amazing and inspiring TA and teacher. He came into section every week with thorough notes on all of the readings and was excited to teach us the material. He always added extra interesting information that enhanced our understanding of the content and gave book recommendations that sparked academic curiosity. Beyond that, Brian gave his 100% to making sure that every student felt supported and had the opportunity to seek help from him if they needed it. Brian is a teacher that makes you love learning and I simply cannot emphasize enough how big of an impact he has had on my learning experience this semester. If there is a teaching award, he deserves it.”

Student Comment from Controversies About Inequality (2022) - “Brian is an incredible teaching assistant and was an enormous help the entirety of the semester. His knowledge and passion for the subject matter encouraged engagement from the whole of the section and it was evident he not only had expertise in his area of study but that he cared enough to communicate that same excitement to the whole of the class. I have never had the privilege of being assigned to a TA like Brian, and I am very fortunate that I was; I usually don't attend office hours, but Brian got the majority of the class to attend at some point or another throughout the semester. I believe this incredible turnout was due to his active inclusion of the entire class. I cannot give an evaluation that holds a TA in higher regard than I have given for Brian.”