About My Teaching Background
My teaching background as an instructor-of-record at Tufts University and recitation leader at Harvard prepares me to instruct introductory and advanced courses in performance, arts and society, popular media, American studies, and women’s and gender studies. As an instructor, I foreground performance as a methodological entry point for developing students’ ability to ask thoughtful and critical questions about productions of power and place. I am trained to translate critical concepts in the arts, social sciences, and humanities to a range of student interests, backgrounds, and expertise levels through my experience teaching across departments—from sociology to theatre—at research institutions invested in social justice and the liberal arts.
Teaching Experience
Harvard University, Recitation Leader and Teaching Fellow, Cambridge, MA – Spring 2024
- Taylor Swift and Her World (2024)
Tufts University, Instructor of Record and Teaching Assistant, Medford, MA – 2020-2025
Courses Designed & Taught:
- Introduction to Acting and Performance (2022, 2023, 2024)
- Performance and Social Justice (2021, 2023)
- Public Speaking (2023) & Public Speaking and Communications for Underrepresented Students in STEM (2022)
- Introduction to Studies in Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora (Recitation Leader—2022)
Courses Assisted:
- Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (2024)
- Theories and Methods in Studies in Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora (2023)
- Theories and Practices of Justice (2022)
- The Art of the Moving Image: Introduction to Film and Media Studies (2021)
Student Testimonials
“Jenny was definitely one of the best Teaching Fellows I have had during my four years at Harvard.
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Taylor Swift and Her World (Harvard, 2025)
Every single section she was extremely prepared, brought enthusiasm and was very creative in the ways in which she had our class engage with the course content.
It always felt as though she was going above and beyond, & truly cared about every single person in her section.
Additionally, she always provided excellent feedback on assignments and really pushed me to make sure I was developing and supporting a strong argument.
I am so grateful to have had Jenny as my TF.“
“Jenny was absolutely amazing.
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Taylor Swift and Her World (Harvard, 2024)
She really took the time to get to know her students and plan engaging activities that helped to develop what was discussed in the lecture.“
“Jenny made this course experience for me! She made section interesting and fun.
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Taylor Swift and Her World (Harvard, 2024)
She facilitated great discussion and I always felt comfortable sharing my ideas.
“Jenny is AMAZING!! I hope more Tufts students have the opportunity to take a course with her in the future.
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Performance and Social Justice (Tufts, 2021)
She’s caring, knowledgeable, flexible, and kind and helped foster such a wonderful community!
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Performance and Social Justice (Tufts, 2021)
“Jenny is a very thoughtful and caring instructor, and she created a great community environment for us students to have amazing deep discussions.
I also liked her discussion questions a lot, you could tell she put a lot of thought into the course which I appreciated.
She also provided great resources for us to think about our final projects and put a lot of effort into supporting us through that process.
She also asked for class feedback frequently and did check–ins all the time, making everyone feel very supported.“
“Jenny was awesome! I loved her section and felt like I grew as a writer. I always had a ton
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Taylor Swift and Her World (Harvard, 2024)
of questions that she would answer right away and she would always offer great feedback.
Her sections were so engaging and I learned so much about music that I never had
considered beforehand.
“So knowledgable, SO kind. Made coming to class a sincere pleasure — I’m grateful to have
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Theatre and Social Justice (Tufts, 2023)
had a chance to learn from Jenny.“
“Jenny slayed. She was a great teacher and helped us all think more deeply about all of the
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Theatre and Social Justice (Tufts, 2023)
topics.”
“Jenny is so great and so kind. One of the best prof. I had at Tufts. She has a great grasp of the
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Intro to Acting (Tufts, 2021)
classroom and carries herself in a way that students respect her. She worked well with many
different personalities.“
“Jenny made the class very engaging and fun! She offers a lot feedback and would accessible
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Intro to Acting (Tufts, 2021)
both in class and outside of class.“
“Jenny did an amazing job of engaging with every student and provided thorough feedback
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Theatre and Social Justice (Tufts, 2023)
on the final projects steps.”
“Jenny is extremely kind and a great instructor.”
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Theatre and Social Justice (Tufts, 2023)
“Created a great environment for everybody, class was always a lot of fun. Was very
– Anonymous Student Course Evaluation, Intro to Acting (Tufts, 2021)
understanding and was super easy to communicate
with.“
Jenny Henderson, PhD 