Human-Centered Pedagogist
Sharing Insights and Passions
My diverse teaching and professional experience provide me with a unique pedagogical skill set and perspective. The knowledge and expertise I have built across learning environments specifically with experiential curriculum design, school leadership, and community building, have shaped me into an innovative educator, compassionate mentor, and valuable collaborator.
Curriculum Development and Instructional Design
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With the influx of AI into the relam of education, we must (re)define authentic assessments and we willing to use creative and innovative learning experiences to “test” students' skills and knowledge in real-life situations. Assessment is core to our work as educators because it is where the “pedal meets the metal”. It is truly where we know whether the students learned the content and skills we had anticipated at the beginning of the course, class, or learning experience. For students, assessment can provide a pulse on their progress, identify individual strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately communicate to the student learning has occurred. Lastly, assessments serve as a valuable evaluation tool, and well-crafted assessments can prepare students with the skills they will need in future courses and in life.
Human-Centered Pedagogy
Recognizing that true learning flourishes when students feel a profound connection to their peers, their educators, and the subject matter. I strategically and purposefully design learning environments that prioritize inclusivity and collaboration. By nurturing an atmosphere of respect and openness, we can empower students to bring their authentic selves into the classroom, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences that enrich the learning journey. Acknowledging the vital role that teachers play in shaping the learning environment, I facilitate professional development workshops and collaborative spaces where educators can come together to share ideas, challenges, and triumphs. By fostering a strong community among educators, I ensures that the principles of human-centered pedagogy and belonging are woven into the fabric of the entire educational institution.
Experiential Education
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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I believe that experiential education is a catalyst for profound transformation. By blending theoretical concepts with hands-on experiences, we can empower students to become active participants in their own 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 recognizable passion for experiential education, I am dedicated to sculpting learning experiences that transcend traditional boundaries.
Digital Pedagogy
Education thrives when it's immersive. From introducing interactive platforms to designing multimedia-rich assignments, I create learning designed to boost confidence and competence in the digital realm. A transformative approach to education that harnesses the power of technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences goes beyond the mere integration of technology in the classroom; instead, it focuses on reimagining and redesigning the entire learning process. At its core, digital pedagogy seeks to leverage digital tools, resources, and strategies to create dynamic, interactive, and student-centered learning environments. It encourages educators to become facilitators of knowledge, guiding learners in their exploration of content while nurturing critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. I design and deliver engaging workshops that empower you to integrate technology seamlessly into your teaching practices.
School Leadership Mentoring and Development
As a former charter school director, I intimately understand the intricacies and demands of charter school leadership. Coupled with my current role as a member of the Utah State Charter School Board, I possess unparalleled insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by charter schools today. Drawing from this wealth of experience, I specialize in providing transformative mentorship to school leaders, equipping them with the strategic insights, innovative approaches, and actionable solutions needed to navigate the complex landscape of charter education. I combine practical wisdom with a deep understanding of educational policy and best practices, resulting in tailored guidance that drives sustainable growth and academic excellence. Whether you're seeking to enhance your school's performance, navigate compliance issues, or optimize organizational strategies, I am dedicated to empowering you in achieving your charter school's mission and vision.
Recent Projects and Publications
ACUE AI Quick Study Series
Spotlighted in the ACUE (Association of College and University Educators) AI Quick Study Series is a collection of four self-paced online courses designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning. The four courses in the series are:
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Writing Effective AI Prompts
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Teaching with AI-Inclusive and AI-Resistant Learning Experiences
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Leveraging AI to Develop Course Resources
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Empowering Students to Use AI Responsibly
Unlocking Human AI Potential: 10 Best Practices for AI Assignments in Higher Ed
In the early days of December 2022, late one night, under the cover of darkness, I eagerly typed “ChatGPT” into my Google search bar. I nervously and excitedly entered the world of AI, similar to when I walked into a candy store as a child and was bombarded with colors, flavors, and treats to pique my curiosity. However, just like the choices I would make in a candy shop, jumping into the realm of AI required thoughtful consideration.
Creating a Syllabus Your Students Will Read
Stephanie Speicher, PhD, shares five principles of humanizing syllabus design and provides a checklist for teachers to design syllabi that generate curiosity for course content.
It's In The Experience Podcast: Fostering Connection and Belonging Through Experiential Education
In this episode, host Sherry Bagley sits down with Stephanie Speicher, an associate professor and the digital fluency faculty in residence at Weber State University, and Antonio Galván, founder, CEO, and senior trainer at Galika. The three talk about experiential training and development for organizations, creating community and a sense of belonging in a digital landscape, facilitating experiential education for adults, creating spaces for experiential ed, and geographic differences in the industry.
Future U Podcast: Promoting Belonging in Diverse Classrooms
In this special episode of the Future U Podcast, hosts Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo engage in a lively conversation with faculty members Crystal White from the University of Memphis, and Stephanie Speicher from Weber State University. The discussion, sponsored by Course Hero and recorded live during their annual summit, revolves around the need for leadership, connection, relevance, and a culture of care in higher education. The podcast delves into the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive environment in the classroom, as well as the disparity between the racial and ethnic diversity of faculty and students in U.S colleges and universities.
Op-Ed: The Syllabus Isn't Just A Piece of Paper
As a new era of higher education emerges, faculty have to continue to create intellectual and emotional growth to help student development and success.