Brooke Shafar
Biography
Hi, my name is Brooke and I am an Educational Development Specialist in the Office for Teaching and Learning. I work closely with our WSU instructors in both one-on-one consultations and via workshops and other events to support them in providing the best possible learning environment for their students. I am particularly invested in helping our instructors find ways to incorporate inclusive pedagogies into their teaching so that they can build a sense of trust and community with all their students and help them learn in ways most suited to the individual student’s needs. I’ve developed materials on topics such as supporting disabled and neurodiverse students, developing courses with Universal Design for Learning in mind, and providing a more accessible learning experience. I have sponsored teaching circles on both representation, equity, and justice as well as on language teaching online. I also manage the OTL’s Virtual Resource Hub, which is our Canvas-based repository of resources on a variety of teaching topics that WSU instructors have access to anytime, anywhere.
Before I joined the OTL, I received my PhD in Germanic Languages and Literatures in Washington University in St. Louis and taught German language, literature, and culture courses at all levels - both in person and online. Those experiences inspired my interest in finding ways to integrate technology and more games and play into my teaching, which are topics I continue to explore in my role at the OTL through workshops and supporting WSU’s licensed edtech tools.
When I’m not working, I can usually be found spending time with my cats, Garrus and Wrex, crocheting cute little critters, engaging in nerdy activities with my found family, or info dumping to someone about something Star Wars related.
Education
Ph.D. in German Studies, Washington University in St. Louis 2016
M.A. in German Studies, Washington University in St. Louis 2011
B.A. in English and German, Western Kentucky University 2008