Human-Centered Pedagogist
Get to Know Me.
Carpe Diem is my education mantra and illuminates my journey as a teacher, scholar, and school leader.
Transformation
Transforming how we engage as humans in the teaching and learning process, I specialize in designing engaging, relevant, and human-centered curricula for all learners in optimal learning communities. My approach is grounded in research-based practices, and I work collaboratively with educators to achieve their goals, empowering educators and school leaders to:
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Utilize Human-Centered Pedagogy
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Leverage technology to enhance learning outcomes
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Stay abreast of the latest trends and research in educational technology and digital pedagogy
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Employ experiential and innovative tools across digital platforms to create immersive and inclusive learning experiences​.
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Build a skill set of invaluable techniques in leadership development and charter management, fostering growth and excellence in education.
What is critical is how we adapt to an ever-changing educational landscape and embrace emerging technologies as catalysts for positive change!​
Teaching And Learning Is Made Of Moments.
I envision myself as an educator that leaves every learning moment asking how the next “moment” might be better, and how to better engage and motivate individuals that have come across my path, into my life experience. Ultimately, I want to help people develop an engaged and compassionate lens through which to view the world and recognize the importance of education - for everyone. I am fully committed to my growth as well as helping students and colleagues grow as individuals and as members of our greater community. Reflecting deeply on how to empower my students with skills and knowledge is always at the forefront of my instructional planning and assessment choices.
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As a professor of education, I have developed a distinct knowledge base that is incredibly useful at higher education institutions. My expertise is in instruction, curriculum development, and assessment practices - all of these areas are of great relevance and use to all faculty across campus, regardless of discipline.
We Are A Community Engaged In Inquiry.
Utilizing the Community of Inquiry Framework (Garrison, Anderson, and Archer, 2001) grounds my pedagogical decisions. When learning is deliberately crafted and structured to heighten student engagement, connection, and comprehension, the student learning experience is optimized.
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For example, from the courses I teach to the professional development I facilitate, my aim is to build:
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Social Presence: Create deliberate opportunities for individuals to learn in a collaborative environment built upon collaboration, trust, and authenticity.
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Cognitive Presence: Designing learning experiences where students can engage deeply with the content in a rigorous and supportive environment to construct meaning.
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Teaching Presence: Infusing social and cognitive presence purposefully into the development, facilitation, and evaluation of learning activities to meet learning outcomes that are meaningful and tangible.
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Experiential Education To Build Community, Competence, and Connection.
My journey in experiential education took root at Outward Bound, a global leader in outdoor experiential learning. Through challenging expeditions and hands-on activities, I facilitated transformative experiences that pushed individuals beyond their comfort zones. Guiding diverse groups, I fostered resilience, leadership, and effective communication skills. My time at Outward Bound ignited a passion for shaping character and fostering growth through immersive, real-world encounters.
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Experiential education is a catalyst for profound transformation (Kolb, 2014). By blending theoretical concepts with hands-on experiences, students are empowered to become active participants in their learning. Through engaging simulations, interactive projects, and real-world problem-solving, students not only grasp complex ideas but also develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. Through years of hands-on experience and a recognizable passion for experiential education, I am dedicated to sculpting learning experiences that transcend traditional boundaries.
Human-Centered Design Is Optimal For Learning and Growth.
Human-centered design (Baran and Alzoubi, 2020) resonates with me because it prioritizes understanding and addressing the needs, feelings, and challenges of students. By building empathy, teaching can be tailored to better support students. Human-centered design empowers us to be more reflexive and redesign teaching in ways that foster a community of inquiry, facilitating meaningful interactions and engagement regardless of the learning environment.
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By adopting a human-centered design approach, I ensure the educational experiences I create for students are designed to their needs, fostering engagement, motivation, and effective learning. This approach acknowledges that teaching and learning are inherently human endeavors, and the design of educational experiences should prioritize the individuals involved, their contexts, and their interactions.
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