Teaching

teaching philosophy

As an instructor of interdisciplinary social and environmental health sciences, I view the classroom dialog as one of the best opportunities to serve society by enhancing students’ understanding of the ecological connections between themselves and the rest of the world. My ultimate teaching goal is to inspire my students to actively participate in the social dialog that shapes the health and well-being of humans and the natural and built environment. To accomplish this goal, my teaching rests upon three fundamental objectives:

1. To create a supportive learning environment that encourages students to share their insights and challenge their assumptions.

2. To challenge students to think critically about course materials by applying classroom knowledge to real-world issues.

3. To continually challenge myself as a teacher to improve my courses.

pedagogical research and publications

Human behavioral change is necessary if we wish to evolve into a more sustainable human society, but change is hard, especially given that many people equate environmentalism with personal sacrifice. My pedagogical research focuses on designing educational tools that promote both human and planetary health.

• Vatovec, Christine and Haley Ferrer. 2019. Sustainable Well-Being Challenge: A Student-Centered Pedagogical Tool Linking Human Well-Being to Ecological Flourishing. Sustainability. 11(24): 7178. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su11247178

• Vatovec C. 2016. Making Biodiversity Stewardship Tangible using a Place-based Approach. In: Byrne L (ed) Learner-centered Teaching Activities for Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Springer.

• Vatovec C, Balser T. 2009. Podcasts as tools in introductory environmental studies. Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education. 10: 19-24.

teaching awards and activities

• Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Teaching Award, University of Vermont (2020)

• Faculty Fellowship for Service-Learning, University of Vermont (2014)

• Sustainability Faculty Fellowship, University of Vermont (2011-2012)

• Teaching Academy Future Faculty Partner, University of Wisconsin (2007)

courses taught (selected, see syllabi below)

• Planetary Health (ENVS 195, Summer)

• Climate Change and Human Health: Assessing Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies (ENVS 195, Fall semesters)

• Human Health and the Environment (ENVS/HLTH/NR 107, Spring semesters)