Teaching Philosophy

My approach to teaching is grounded in the belief that effective learning is a critical, collaborative, and evidence-based practice. I view the classroom as a dynamic community of inquiry where theory meets real-world application, compelling students to move beyond passive information absorption toward becoming active co-creators of knowledge. This philosophy is constantly informed by scholarly research on cognitive science, equity-driven instructional design, and systemic change.

I integrate insights from Adaptive Leadership—my formal training that emphasizes collective problem-solving and navigating uncertainty—with principles of critical pedagogy. I design curricula that challenge students to identify and analyze systemic contradictions and power structures. Ultimately, my goal is to equip students with critical consciousness (conscientização) and the intellectual tools to be ethical, responsible agents of change in their professional and civic lives.

My commitment to innovation in teaching is not theoretical; it is directly supported by my ongoing, funded research. This research focuses on optimizing pedagogical strategies for complex social and environmental challenges, directly shaping how I design assignments and structure classroom dialogue.

I currently lead an NSF-funded project focused on developing and assessing new methods for sustainability pedagogy. This research addresses the urgent need to train the next generation of scholars and practitioners to tackle interconnected social and ecological crises.

Research-Informed Pedagogy

Courses
Taught

GRADUATE COURSES

Colorado School of Mines

Global Environmental Issues

Climate Change: Navigating Crisis

University of Alberta

Rural Communities and Global Economies

Peter Lougheed Leadership College Teaching Fellow

DIVE Foundations of Adaptive Leadership

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

Colorado School of Mines

Global Environmental Issues

Climate Change: Navigating Crisis

University of Alberta    

Rural Communities and Global Economies

The politics of food and natural resources

University of Alberta, Co-Lead Course Development

Considering Gender in Extractive Industries (asynchronous)