Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Dunn

Hi Kate, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

My journey to becoming a professor started with a dream of teaching at the elementary level. From a young age, my aspiration to become a teacher stemmed from my love of learning and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. During high school, I completed a co-op placement at an elementary school which provided me with an invaluable opportunity to provide support in a Kindergarten classroom over the course of 5 months. I had every intention of completing a 4-year undergraduate degree and then heading straight into teacher’s college, but little did I know at the time what a difference a semester would make.

During my four years of university, I enrolled in a series of classes led by dedicated professors who opened my eyes to a different kind of educational possibility: becoming a professor. My first year Sociology professor was my first introduction to the world of post-secondary education. She had an infectious enthusiasm for social issues and encouraged me, and my peers, to think critically and ask bold questions of ourselves and the world around us. This experience sparked a love for the discipline of Sociology and her course was ultimately the catalyst for me majoring in Sociology. My second year Women’s Studies professor was a historian and a passionate advocate for social justice. In her classes, I learned the importance of using education as a tool for empowerment and social change. My fourth-year professor who taught a seminar course, and remains a close friend to this day, embodied the kindness and commitment to her students that I aspired to emulate one day in my own classroom.

These experiences transcended any traditional classroom experience I had had up to that point and instilled in me a profound “calling” towards teaching at the post-secondary level that prompted me to pivot my career focus. This journey has further inspired me to redefine my goals over the years, leading me to explore roles in curriculum development, mentorship, and leadership positions with the aim of creating as dynamic a learning environment for my students as I experienced when I was a student.

Embarking on my Master’s degree was also a transformative journey, not only for the knowledge and skills I acquired, but also for the friendships that were created along the way. I was profoundly inspired by my cohort who shared a common passion for social issues. We celebrated each other’s achievements, supported each other through challenging times, and the experience instilled in me an even deeper appreciation for the power of community in education and shared learning.

Once I completed my studies, I was hired as a contract instructor. This provided me with an opportunity to gain teaching experience and focus on developing my teaching portfolio, networking, focus on professional development, attend conferences, and collaborate with colleagues. These connections led to job recommendations at other Colleges and additional teaching opportunities where I gained valuable experience in classroom management, curriculum development, and student engagement. I explored research opportunities, developed new courses, contributed to publications, presented at conferences, and led workshops.

After several years in contract teaching, I made the transition to full-time professor which marked a significant achievement for me as it was the culmination of everything I had dreamed of and worked so hard to achieve. Today, I am proud to say in my full-time role I have developed a number of new courses, including co-developing a minor in Disability Studies (we are currently the only college in Ontario to offer the additional study area for degrees), provide course guidance for 6 courses in our department, become a member of our College REB, and continue to work on a number of exciting initiatives in our department.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

I believe no path in life is entirely free of difficulties. I also try to approach every experience, whether it be positive or challenging, with the question: “What is this trying to teach me?” Embracing the ups and downs of any situation can help us learn, grow, and develop resilience.

One major challenge in my journey in academia was the uncertainty that came with contract positions. Unlike a full-time position, which I am so privileged and grateful to have now, I did not always have the security of a permanent role. The last few weeks of every semester brought with it the anxiety of whether I would be offered another contract the following semester. This also made long-term planning difficult, as I could not always foresee what my schedule would look like more than 3 or 4 months at any given time.

Another challenge was the workload itself, which could be overwhelming. Balancing multiple teaching assignments across different institutions, while maintaining a high standard of teaching, meant long nights and weekends spent grading and planning. I had to be very intentional about where my time was being spent, which meant regularly auditing my schedule and honing my time management skills.

Having said this, these struggles also taught me resilience and adaptability. The journey was far from smooth, but ultimately worth it because it led me to where I am today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am a passionate advocate, practitioner, and subject matter expert in the fields of Sociology, Positive Psychology, and Disability Studies, and am deeply committed to enhancing the well-being and empowerment of my students, colleagues, and individuals within my community.

In the classroom, I take a holistic approach that integrates Positive Psychology principles. I focus on creating environments where students can thrive by emphasizing strengths, resilience, and personal growth.

My journey also includes co-developing the first gender studies course at my College, as well as a minor in disability studies, which has enriched my understanding of inclusivity and the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities.

I was actively and proudly involved in a program for many years that provides free post-secondary and employment-pathways courses to community members. This initiative not only equips participants with the skills needed for professional success but also promotes social equity, making education and career advancement accessible to everyone.

One of the things I pride myself on is being a connector and a collaborator. I actively seek opportunities to bring people together, whether it’s through brainstorming sessions, team-building activities, or collaborating on department initiatives with like-minded colleagues.

Individual achievements are a wonderful thing and something to be celebrated, but I believe that the real magic happens when we pool our talents and work towards common goals, because each of us has a unique lens and position of influence. I am currently embarking on some exciting projects with a friend and former colleague focused on bringing Positive Psychology initiatives into our community!

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?

If you were to ask my parents they would likely describe me as a “spirited” child. I buzzed with energy, was inquisitive, asked lots of questions, imaginative, observant, and loved being outside. You would be able to find me visiting my local library, riding my bike to the park with friends, or burying my nose in a book. I’ve always had a deep love for and connection with animals, which I believe cultivated within me a deeper sense of kindness, empathy and appreciation for all living things. Personality wise, I was (and remain today) a true oldest child: extroverted, assertive, a leader, conscientious, responsible, and high-achieving. I was also very stubborn and strong-willed, but this was something that was encouraged by my parents, which I am grateful for. I think this nurtured in me an appreciation and respect for individuality. There is nothing I love more than seeing someone living authentically and non-apologetically.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: rooted_in_wellness_co

Image Credits

Photographer: Hannah Kiviranta