Mallory Gardner
Instructional Designer | Part-time lecturer of English
Hey there! I’m Mallory Gardner, an instructional designer and part-time lecturer of English. My background uniquely positions me to understand both the faculty and student experience. This dual perspective allows me to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that learning experiences are not only engaging and impactful but also adaptable to the diverse needs of both educators and learners.
Experience
Part-Time Lecturer, Department of English (Aug 2024-Dec 2024)
Taught an undergraduate freshman course that emphasizes practice in expository writing, focusing on the college research paper.
Instructional Designer | Faculty Teaching and Learning Center (Sep 2022-Present)
As an instructional designer at California State University, Bakersfield, I primarily support faculty members through one-on-one collaborative meetings. I address a wide range of faculty needs, including pedagogical support through technical trainings. I create video tutorials, workshops, and other instructional materials to support faculty members in evaluating and evaluating their course content for accessibility, engagement, and overall effectiveness.
Skills: Camtasia, Office 365, Canvas LMS, Panopto, Omni CMS, WCAG 2.1
Educational Media Design Specialist Aug 2021-Sept 2022
I provided faculty technology support for Canvas (LMS) and developed workshops to enhance teaching and learning utilizing educational technology tools. One of my most popular workshops was the creation of a digitally badged professional development workshop, “Canvas as an Engagement Tool.” In this workshop, I leveraged mastery paths and free educational technology tools to design an interactive “escape room” in a Canvas module, where participants solved a murder mystery. This hands-on, gamified approach not only engaged faculty but also demonstrated how to use Canvas creatively to foster student engagement.
Education
Masters of Arts in English
California State University, Bakersfield
During my master’s program, I was actively involved in a dual leadership role as the Chapter President of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society, and as the President of the English Club. I was honored to receive the Li’i Pearl Award, an honor for a recipient who serves as a “proud representative” of the department. During my program, I also completed The Teaching Assistant Program in Writing, where I developed teaching strategies and worked under a faculty mentor. I also had the privilege of presenting a memoir piece titled Baptisms for the Dead at the Sigma Tau Delta Centennial Convention in St. Louis, Missouri.
Bachelor’s of Arts in English Language and Literature
California State University, Bakersfield
During my undergraduate coursework, I discovered a passion for one-on-one coaching while working as a tutor in the Writing Center. This experience allowed me to connect with students on a personal level, something I strive for as an instructor today. While my classes are engaging and involve large student discussions, I always make an effort to channel the role of a coach by offering individualized support, guiding students through challenges, and helping them set achievable goals. I believe that mentorship and humanized classrooms foster confidence and empower students to take ownership of their learning by grounding it in their own experiences.
Associates of Arts in English
Bakersfield College
It was a community college professor in English who inspired me to pursue teaching at the community college level. Their belief in my academic ability made a lasting impact on me. During my time at Bakersfield College, I found my voice as a student. Additionally, I developed a deep love for creating student communities and worked to establish the English Club, a social space where students could come together to share their love of literature and writing. This experience solidified my commitment to cultivating supportive and inclusive environments where students feel welcomed. Additionally, it started a passion for student service.
Thank you for your response. ✨
Interests
Student Centered Learning
Culturally responsive teaching, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), gamification, and mobile-friendly education.
Community and Campus Involvement
Committed to giving back to the community through volunteering and creating a sense of community on college campuses.
Creative Writing
In addition to my academic and professional work, I am a passionate creative writer and strive to bring narrative writing into the college classroom.
