Michael Bota
Biography
Hi, I am Michael Bota. I am an Educational Development Specialist at the Office for Teaching and Learning (OTL). My position involves consultations, designing and facilitating webinars, and all things pedagogy. I am here to ensure that the teaching and learning needs of faculty and students are met.
With a long-standing interest in mental health, I first set out to pursue neuroscience. However, after joining an English class my senior year in undergrad, I came to see the importance of education, culture, purpose, and community for the holistic health of people. It was the learning design of the course that allowed me to see this. I chose to do a program called Teach for America, and I went on to teach middle school for five years in Chicago. I then moved back to Detroit to complete a masters in Learning Design and Technology (LDT) at Wayne State. I am thrilled to be in this position at the OTL and enact this work.
When I’m not at the OTL, I am taking classes to pursue a PhD in LDT here at Wayne State. I also enjoy helping high schoolers write their personal statement for college applications. When I’m not working, I love hanging out with friends and family, playing tennis, seeing live music, and going for outdoor adventures. If you see me around or would like to chat, please don’t hesitate to say hello!
Education
M.E. in Learning Design and Technology, Wayne State University, 2023
M.A.T. in Middle Grades Science, Relay Graduate School of Education, 2018
B.S. in Neuroscience, University of Michigan, 2016