"A highlight for me this past year has been learning how to lead effective virtual teams and teach in engaging ways that build community. I’ve enjoyed virtual coffee breaks to connect with some colleagues in ways I haven’t been able to prior to the pandemic. The collaboration and mutual understanding that results from something so simple is notable."
—Dr. Adrienne Castellon, Associate Dean for TWU GLOBAL, Master of Arts in Leadership program
Dr. Adrienne Castellon enjoys teaching graduate courses in leadership and education. A highlight of her past year has been learning how to lead effective virtual teams and creatively building community. “I’ve witnessed great compassion and expertise coming together at TWU GLOBAL, and I’m so pleased to be part of it,” she said.
An experienced leader and educator, Dr. Castellon has worked as a secondary school teacher, elementary principal, education consultant, and Director in North and South America. At TWU, Dr. Castellon is the Associate Dean for TWU GLOBAL, Master of Arts in Leadership program. Her research interests focus on women in leadership, implications for K-12 and higher education from a servant leadership lens, the scholarship of teaching and learning and Indigenous ways of knowing and relationships.
Dr. Castellon is the author of several teacher resources, chapters, and articles. She has presented at conferences in Canada, the U.S., England and India. Dr. Castellon has served in the Langley Childhood Development Society. She is Chair of International Leadership Association’s International Outreach Committee for the Women in Leadership Member Community, a Director on the board of Citizens for Public Justice, and co-Chair of the Catholic Women's Leadership Foundation. Dr. Castellon stays current in the K-12 system through government and private consulting and through school-related projects. She often shares her latest insights on her blog.
Honouring International Women’s Day at TWU: Faculty Reflections
Every year on March 8, the global community celebrates International Women's Day. It is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. At Trinity Western, we seek to honour the many women leaders and educators who help our University thrive and advance into the future.
In the following interview, we hear from Dr. Castellon about her leadership journey and insights.
1. Hi Dr. Castellon, what has helped you in your journey of teaching and leadership, and what are a few tips you have?
My extensive experience in K-12 education and adult education as an education consultant and principal have been most helpful from the teaching and learning, curriculum and instructional leadership perspective. Currency is key – being a continual learner who is always reading, involved in projects in the field helps keep me relevant. I find it helpful to follow key education bloggers, read practitioner journals and serve on various advisory and evaluation committees and boards. All of these keep me current and engaged in the field. This “hands on” approach is key to my credibility.
2. Who are some of the women who inspire you, and why?
I admire Dr. Cherie Harder, President of the Trinity Forum. For the past year I’ve been engaged via webinars that she’s hosted. She’s insightful in both her facilitation as well as her writing for CARDUS and other venues. I don’t know her personally but I admire her intellect and poise.
Dr. Karen Longman of Asuza Pacific is another inspiration, for developing a Leadership Institute that I participated in several years ago and our continued association through the International Leadership Association - Women in Leadership member community group. We serve on the Executive together, and are co-authoring and have presented symposia and panels together. Karen is a prolific author; she empowers other women, is intellectually humble and very kind.
Lastly, I’m inspired by Mary Anne Morrison, a Metis woman from Saskatchewan with whom I’m engaged on a research project. She has extensive educational experience, is an Indigenous advocate, and is very collaborative. I love her stories and am learning so much from her. She’s a dedicated advocate for change in Indigenous pastoral and lay ministry in the church, and she does so with grace and patience in the face of ongoing challenges.
3. What has been a highlight of teaching at TWU in recent months?
A highlight for me this past year has been learning how to lead effective virtual teams and teach in engaging ways that build community. I’ve enjoyed virtual coffee breaks to connect with some colleagues in ways I haven’t been able to prior to the pandemic. The collaboration and mutual understanding that results from something so simple is notable. I’ve witnessed great compassion and expertise coming together at TWU GLOBAL, and I’m so pleased to be part of it!
See also: Dr. Adrienne Castellon’s interview on Learning Matters Podcast:
Learning Matters Podcast
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has five campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, Ottawa, and Bellingham, WA. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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