David Chambers

David Chambers has been teaching at CSI since 2011, first as a Dual Credit instructor before joining the college full time in 2017. Today, he teaches Introduction to Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, and Introduction to Psychological Disorders.

David’s path into teaching started while he was still a student himself. During graduate school at Idaho State University, he had the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant and quickly realized how much he enjoyed helping students learn. So when the opportunity came to teach Dual Credit for CSI, he jumped in with both feet.

In his classroom, David works to make psychology feel approachable and relevant. Students sometimes come into his courses intimidated by the subject, but he reminds them that they already know more about psychology than they may realize simply from being human. His favorite classes are the ones where a real-world example suddenly clicks and the room comes alive with questions, stories, and discussion. David calls those moments “Dopaminergic Gold.” Rather than simply memorizing terms and definitions, students learn to think critically, apply psychological theories, and connect what they are learning to the world around them. David hopes those skills also help students build greater self-awareness, empathy, open-mindedness, and compassion.

One thing students are often surprised to discover is just how broad psychology really is. It goes far beyond talking about feelings and shows up in nearly every part of our lives.

Outside of CSI, David enjoys spending time outdoors and hiking, which he says is one of his favorite ways to reset and clear his head. And despite the energy and excitement he brings to the classroom, students might be surprised to learn he is actually an introvert who prefers quiet and solitude over large gatherings.

His advice to students: psychology can be rigorous, but it is also accessible, relevant, and worth exploring. Give yourself the chance to see where it takes you.