Dr. Doug Checkley

Dr. Doug Checkley completed his PhD at the University of Lethbridge in 2020. He is currently the Assistant Dean, Field Experiences. He is passionate about meeting the needs of marginalized students through understanding their expressed needs and the demonstration of care. Previously, Doug had 12 years of teaching and administration experience in high school, teaching science, math and English as an additional language.

Teaching Interests

Doug primarily instructs classes in Curriculum and Instruction, Assessment and Evaluation, Science Education and Social Context. Within his classes he emphasizes a student-centered approach in which he demonstrates the importance of coming to know our students, understanding their expressed needs, differentiation of instruction, hands-on learning and ensuring fair and equitable assessment practice. Doug is passionate about science education for all and demystifying the subject for school-aged students through engaging activities that allow students to root their understanding in experience. Ethics of Care are an essential part of his teaching philosophy, and he aims to model caring pedagogy in his classroom to promote its importance to future educators. He is also focused on sharing the importance of care, and the impact it can have, on students from marginalized populations.

He continues to collaborate with teachers learning with refugee students within the Lethbridge area to develop ideas and pedagogy that focuses on capabilities, expressed needs of the students and how to meet those needs. Doug also works closely with former colleagues to understand the current needs and challenges of teachers, and how we can best support new teachers in finding success both in their practicums and their first years.

Research Interests

Doug's research interests include Refugee Education, Science Education, Equity in Assessment, Indigenous Education, Urban Education, Hip-hop and Mental Health, Teacher Self-Efficacy and Care ethics.