Samantha Shields, Ph.D.

Samantha “Sam” Shields is the Assistant Director of Curriculum Development at Texas A&M University’s Center for Teaching Excellence. Dr. Shields brings to the Center an extensive array of teaching experience, both in the K-12 environment and higher education, where she taught in both STEM fields and teacher preparation.

As an Assistant Director, she is passionate about facilitating Program (Re)Designs, a faculty-led, data-informed process aimed to assist programs in creating a more learner-centered, relevant, and current curriculum. Dr. Shields works collaboratively with teams of program stakeholders to transform and enhance their program and pedagogical practices with a vast array of evidence-based instructional strategies designed to engage and motivate students. In addition to transformational teaching and learning, she also brings a passion and background in instruction in 21st Century active learning spaces, the re-design of gateway courses, and both project-based and team-based learning.

Areas of Expertise:
 

• Program Design and (Re)Design
• Course Design (Large Intro Courses)
• Teaching and Learning (STEM Emphasis)
• Innovative Pedagogies

Leadership & Service:
 

• Innovative Learning Classroom Building (ILCB) Contact
• Texas A&M University-Qatar Liaison
• University Curriculum Committee (UCC) Member - Ex Officio