I am an experienced educator, having served in roles such as a lecturer at Conestoga College, a Fine Arts and English high school teacher abroad, and a guest lecturer at at prestigious institutions including the University of Southern California, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the University of Western Ontario. I also worked as a Teaching Assistant at Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Western Ontario, Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute (high school), and St Teresa of Avila (elementary school).
I have honed my teaching skills through various certifications, including a University Teaching Certificate and a Global TESOL Certificate.
My commitment extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by my contributions as a research assistant for a SSHRC-funded project and my involvement in other academic positions.
My experiences as a female and a visible minority drive my dedication to representing diversity and inclusion in the academic environment. I am eager to continue contributing to the educational landscape, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
Education
I completed a Ph.D. in Media Studies at the University of Western Ontario.
MA in Communication Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Joint Honours BA in Fine Arts and English Rhetoric and Professional Writing, a Digital Media Specialization, a Fine Arts Teaching Preparation Specialization, English Literature in a Global Context Specialization, a Global Experience Certificate (GEC), and a Diploma in French Language 1 at the University of Waterloo.
Advanced International Global TESOL Certificate & Teaching TOEFL Preparation Certificate, completed at University of Toronto, Global TESOL College.
Teaching Experience
Lecturer COMM1085 – College Reading & Writing Skills at Conestoga College
Teaching Assistant, MIT 1020E – Intro to Media, Information and Technoculture at University of Western Ontario
Teaching Assistant, CS101A & B – Canadian Communication In Context at Wilfrid Laurier University
Teacher, Form 2 English at Arima Secondary School
Teaching Assistant, Form 4 Fine Arts Studio at Arima Secondary School
Teaching Assistant, Grade 6/7 elementary class at St Teresa of Avila Elementary School
Teaching Assistant, Grade 12 English IB & Academic at Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute
Teaching Assistant, Grade 10 Art Academic at Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute
Teaching Workshops Completed
Current Topics in Higher Education at Wilfrid Laurier University
Active Learning Classroom Training at Wilfrid Laurier University
How Can I Tell my Students are Learning? at Wilfrid Laurier University
Team Based-Learning at Wilfrid Laurier University
Planning for your Classes at Wilfrid Laurier University
Describing your Teaching Approach at Wilfrid Laurier University
Understanding your Students at Wilfrid Laurier University
Educational Psychology at the University of Waterloo
Educational Sociology at the University of Waterloo
Guest Lecturer at Universities
Guest Lecturer, MUIN-511 Music Industry History: Entrepreneurs, Moguls and Catalogs at University of Southern California
Guest Lecturer, MUIN-497 Current Topics, Case Studies, and Analysis at University of Southern California
Guest Lecturer, 4th Year Fine Arts Studio, University of Waterloo
Guest Lecturer, KS340 Cultural Studies, Hip Hop Publics at Wilfrid Laurier University
Guest Lecturer, MIT 2100 Political Economy of Media at University of Western Ontario
Courses
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The world of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) can be both empowering and overwhelming at times. In this course, Dereca Blackmon highlighted how you can play an important role in DEIB with key terminology. I learned best practices for diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity and explored how biases can impact recruiting and hiring, as well as the importance of inclusive communication, sponsorship, and mentorship. We determined how to interrupt microaggressions, how to evaluate your organization for transparency and accountability.
Public Speaking Skills
In this course, Dr. Daisy Lovelace offers skill-setting practices to speak confidently in front of a group including:
delivering like a pro, making eye contact, presenting with energy, peducing filler words, using visual aids, managing nerves, avoid memorizing, vocal warm-ups, and mastering your delivery.
“Blending industry experience with academic studies has given me a unique approach to understanding marketing, branding, and culture”
— Dr. Amara Pope
Non-Teaching Academic Employment
Research Assistant, Wilfrid Laurier University: Conducted research alongside Dr. Jonathan Finn on his SSHRC-funded project to create an open-access database of research findings using the Omeka platform. Designed a scripted narrative experience by evaluating the affordances of the website, its aesthetics, and by predicting the user experience. Developed a beta version of the database and website which involved both researching and collecting materials, and performed archival research for a large research project. Built a set of keywords to order to make the collection useable to a wide audience and to disseminate relevant information with ease.
Administrator, University of Waterloo: Promoted events through print and online platforms including posters, Facebook, and the Centre For Career Action website. I exercised public speaking skills to facilitate cultural and workplace workshops, designed for students applying to the workforce and graduate school. I also set up conference rooms, designed floor plans, table signs, name tags, and edited presentations for conferences. I transcribed conference presentations for students and staff to reference.
Relevant Volunteer Experience
Graduate Student Representative, Wilfrid Laurier University: At Communication Faculty department meetings, I represented the student body in decision-making processes for events and faculty member concerns.
Member of the Arts Endowment Fund, Wilfrid Laurier University: I evaluated student proposals for funding events and cast a vote on the panel of other student representatives, Dean of Arts and other members of the faculty to state how to finance money in the Arts department.
Facilitator & Photographer, The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery: Facilitated arts and crafts for children and parents by dictating instructions, gathering supplies, creating examples for children to work from, and cleaning up the workspace. Stood in audience to help create discussions during talks.
Student Career Advisor, the University of Waterloo: Helped students for internships and overseas jobs by preparing them for interviews, starting and editing résumés and cover letters, emails, and professional conduct to contact potential employers.
Leader for English Conversation Program, University of Waterloo: Taught international Master’s students English writing and pronunciation skills through interactive oral and written activities to prepare them to converse and navigate in Canada.
Board of Directors for the Arts Student Union: University of Waterloo: Represent student body interests and participated in fundraisers for Arts Faculty to help raise money for student groups and events.
Beaver Scouts Leader, Scouts Canada: Planned and organized crafts for youth aged 5 to 7 in Waterloo region by purchasing materials and leading activities.
“Art and media have a unique relationship that, when engaged with, can result in beautiful possibilities of seeing the world through multiple perspectives. In academic studies, teaching experiences, and industry positions, I use digital media to add volume to underrepresented voices and depth to overlooked ideas. ”
Dr. Amara Pope
THEORY & PRACTICE
With over 10 years of industry experience in Marketing, Communications, Account Management, and Branding, I blend theory and practice to generate impactful results.
