Linda Maier, Ph.D.

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Associate Professor, Education

College of Education and Counseling Chair

Tenure and Promotion Committee

“Our deepest calling is to grow into our own authentic self-hood, whether or not it conforms to some image of who we ought to be. As we do so, we will not only find the joy that every human being seeks--— we will also find our path of authentic service in the world.” — Parker Palmer

Background

I have long known I wanted to be a teacher. I love helping people and the “aha” moment that happens when a new concept is understood, or the joy students experience when a new goal is reached. For me, teaching is an art and I am energized by the creativity and innovation it requires. I feel blessed to work with my students and help develop their potential as educators and leaders. I know they will make a positive difference in the world and the lives of those they meet.

I have had the opportunity to serve in a wide range of education roles. After graduating from Calvin College, I began teaching in the Lynden School District. From there, I taught as an adjunct faculty at Whatcom Community College before moving into full-time administration. More recently, I served as an administrator at Arizona’s Glendale Community College prior to coming to Saint Martin’s University in 2013. I earned a master’s degree from Western Washington University and a doctorate degree from the University of Washington. My research interests are in building community among students in the classroom and faculty in a learning community.

I am passionate about advancing equity and supporting systems that increase and retain our educators of color. I have collaborated with faculty, regional schools, and associations in securing grants, hosting equity conferences and events, and working to advance equity within our educational systems and department.

On a personal note, my family is my top priority. I cherish the times we spend hanging out or traveling together. I enjoy hiking, biking, walking, traveling, reading and playing the piano. We also have a very spoiled Australian Shepherd dog, Cooper, who keeps all of us active.

Selected Publications

Anderson, Maier, & Shepard. (2010). Skepticism to success: Meeting critical workforce needs through innovation and collaboration. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 14 (3).

Maier, L.R. (2012). What are online teaching faculty telling us about building community? Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 36: 11, 884-896.

Selected Paper Accepted 

Maier, L., 2019; You belong: Building a classroom community; American Education Research Association; Spring Conference 2020

Selected Presentations

Maier, L. & Boyer, E. (2020)  Advocating for Equity: Steps Towards Cultural Humility. Presentation at the Lilly Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. San Diego, CA.

Maier, L. & Hartman, M.J.  (2018). Building Student Engagement with Faculty Learning Communities. Presentation at the Lilly Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Anaheim, CA.

Maier, L.; Boyer, E., Harris, T.  (2017). Community Engagement Supporting Strategies to Increase Teachers of Color. Presented at October Symposium of Teaching and Learning at Saint Martin’s. 

Maier, L. (2016). Creating Community In and Out of the Classroom. Lilly Conference on College & University Teaching, Newport Beach, CA.

Maier, L., Anderson, M.  (2009). Presented two sessions: Pathways to Success: Retention Strategies That Work; Innovation & Collaboration: Meeting Statewide Healthcare Needs Through Online Learning and Partnerships; American Association of Community Colleges, National Conference, Phoenix, AZ.

Reviewer for Publications and Presentations

The Journal for Effective Teaching in Higher Education; an online journal devoted to teaching excellence

American Educational Research Association (AERA) Conference Papers

Selected Grants

2018 - Advocating for Equity in Education, Teaching Equity Network, $5,000, state grant, lead author and facilitator

2017 - Equity in Education: Working Together in Securing and Supporting Educators of Color; Professional Educators Standards Board (PESB) $20,000 state grant, lead author and facilitator 

2016 - Equity in Education. PESB, $5,000 state grant; lead author and facilitator

2011 - National Science Foundation: Advanced Technical Education, Whatcom Community College, $200,000 in support of cybersecurity

2004 - Department of Labor, Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Technical College, $2.1 million in support of pathways to health careers project