Central to my teaching philosophy is fostering collaborative learning environments that provide students with experiential, transformative, and community-engaged learning opportunities. I believe we learn by doing, and I incorporate a student-centered holistic approach that develops innovative, meaningful, and lifelong learning experiences. My dual expertise as both a Philosophy Instructor and Learning Strategist allows me to integrate advanced pedagogical strategies with disciplinary content, creating uniquely effective learning environments.
Courses Taught as Primary Instructor:
Ethics: Environmental Ethics, Contemporary Moral Issues, Issues in Normative Ethics
Metaphysics & Epistemology: Introduction to Philosophy (Knowledge and Reality)
Philosophy of Mind
Applied Philosophy: Philosophy of Sport
Course Formats: Successfully taught in-person, online, and hybrid modalities with enrollments ranging from 15 to 200+ students.
Courses Prepared to Teach:
Epistemology:
Theory of Knowledge, Advanced Epistemology (e.g., Social Epistemology, Testimony)
Epistemic Injustice and Social Change (course I would develop)
Ethics:
Applied Ethics, Metaethics
Ethics of Higher Education (course I would develop)
Social and Political Philosophy:
Social and Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Education
Decolonizing Knowledge: Philosophical Perspectives (course I would develop)
Philosophy of Social Justice and Repair (course I would develop)
The following are available upon request:
Teaching Portfolio with syllabi, assignments, and assessments
Sample lesson plans integrating active learning strategies
Student feedback and course evaluation summaries
Examples of innovative assignments and pedagogical approaches
For specific teaching materials or sample syllabi, please contact me at nicolasjc.nicola[@]gmail.com
As a Learning Strategist (2021-2024) at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, I:
Developed large-scale programs: Implemented Supplemental Instruction Model for physiology and biomechanics courses with 300+ students
Advanced academic counseling: Provided specialized learning skills support to undergraduate and graduate students
Workshop design: Created and delivered workshops on learning skills development, graduate writing, and academic success strategies
Program coordination: Designed cohort-based programs and facilitated graduate writing groups
This role provided me with advanced training in learning sciences, student development, and educational program design that directly enhances my teaching philosophy.
Certifications:
Certified Supplemental Instruction Supervisor (University of Guelph, 2023)
Academic Advising Training Program Certificate (University of Toronto, 2022)
Academic Integrity Certificate (Assiniboine Community College, 2022)
Professional Networks:
North American Association of Philosophy and Education (NAAPE)
Learning Specialists Association of Canada (LSAC)
Invited as Inaugural Pro Bowl Speaker for Ethics Bowl Canada (2024)
Guest lecturer and workshop facilitator at multiple institutions
Selected for competitive academic success workshop presentations
I am committed to inclusive, accessible, and engaging pedagogy that prepares students for critical thinking in their personal and professional lives. My experience spans traditional philosophy instruction, innovative large-enrollment pedagogies, and individual student mentoring. I bring both deep disciplinary expertise and evidence-based teaching practices to create learning environments where all students can succeed.