CURRICULUM VITAE
Jean Kayira
Antioch University New England
40 Avon Street, Keene, NH 03431
jkayira@antioch.edu
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ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
Doctor of Philosophy in Environment and Sustainability, August 2013
University of Saskatchewan, School of Environment and Sustainability, Saskatoon, Canada
Dissertation Title: Re-learning our Roots: Youth Participatory Research, Indigenous Knowledge,
and Sustainability through Agriculture
Master of Arts in Environmental Science and Policy, May 2004
Clark University, Department of International Development, Community and Environment,
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Project Title: Challenges for Sustainable Management of Solid Wastes in Lilongwe City, Malawi
Bachelor of Education Science - Chemistry, Biology, July 1991
University of Malawi – Chancellor College, Zomba, Malawi
Dissertation Title: Reinforcement of the Teaching of the Mole Concept at Malawi School
Certificate of Education Level
Non-Degree Courses Taken
Argosy University, Washington, DC, USA, 2007
 L7101: Foundations in Leadership
 L7451: Leading and Managing Change in a Diverse Society
 L7440: Organizational Consultation
Strayer University, Suitland, Maryland, USA, 2005
 Bus 100: Introduction to Business
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA, 2004
 Educ 818: Alternative Approaches to Education for Rural Development
 Educ 629: Policy Issues in International Education
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OTHER CREDENTIALS
Field work and Associated Travel Safety Training, May 7, 2013, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,
Canada
BlackBoard Learn / University of Saskatchewan Course Tools - Fundamentals Seminar,
December 13, 2012, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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We are All Treaty People Module, Oct 31, 2012, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
NVivo 9.0 Intermediate/Advanced Training, May 27, 2011, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Photoshop Elements Workshop, August 23, 2006, Washington DC, USA
Introduction to InDesign Course, Softek Services, Inc. March 22, 2006, Washington DC, USA
Standards Writing Master Trainer Workshop, August 2000 and May 2001, Lilongwe Malawi
DACUM (Develop A Curriculum) Facilitator’s Training Program, Competence Based Education
Curriculum Development Master Trainer Program Part II, November 1999, Lilongwe,
Malawi
Competence Based Education Curriculum Development Master Trainer Program Part I, August
1999, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST)-Wascana
Campus, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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RESEARCH INTERESTS
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The possibilities of Indigenous Knowledge in furthering student learning in relation to
culturally appropriate environmental sustainability
Postcolonial theory and environmental education
Youth, place, culture and environmental sustainability
Cross cultural education
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RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
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Re-learning our roots: Youth participatory research, Indigenous knowledge, and
sustainability through Agriculture (PhD research, 2010-2013)
A qualitative study investigating Saskatchewan organizations working towards violence
prevention, and/or interventions, regarding youth violence (December 2012 – May 2013)
Digital media project: Youth making place (2011-2013)
Participatory action research: Examining the processes of teaching and learning for socioecological justice (2009)
Challenges for sustainable management of solid wastes in Lilongwe city, Malawi. A
Master of Arts in Environmental Science and Policy Paper (May 2004)
Review and reform of the apprenticeship system in Malawi (October 1999-June 2000)
Assessment and certification systems in Malawi (1999)
Towards closing the gender gap in science and technology, gender and science and
technology (GASAT): Experiences of the science camp in Malawi (1996)
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Traditional methods of child-spacing: Department of geography and demography,
University of Malawi—Chancellor College (July-August, 1988)
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PUBLICATIONS
Kayira, J. (accepted). (Re)creating spaces for uMunthu: Postcolonial Theory and Environmental
Education in Southern Africa. Environmental Education Research
Kayira, J. (accepted). Schooling for Sustainable Development in Canada and the United States,
Book review. Journal of Education for Sustainable Development
McKenzie, M., Butcher, K., Fruson, D., Knorr, M., Stone, J., Allan, S., Hill, T., Murphy, J.,
McLean, S., Anderson, V., & Kayira, J. (2013). Suited: Relational methodologies and
critical eco pedagogies. In M. Brody, J. Dillon, R. B. Stevenson & A. E. J. Wals (Eds),
International handbook for research on environmental education. London: Routledge.
Russel, J., White, P., Chung Tiam Fook, T., Kayira, J., Mueller, S., & Oakley, J. (2010).
Graduate Students Lend their Voices: Reflections on the 10th Seminar in Health and
Environmental Education Research. Canadian Journal of Environmental Education 15, 7485.
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WORK EXPERIENCE
1. Core Faculty in Environmental Studies, Antioch University New England
July 1, 2013 –
Courses Taught
ES 605: Citizen Participation & Sustainable Communities (Fall 2013)
ES 728: Research Strategy II (Fall 2013)
2. Sessional Lecturer, Department of Educational Foundations, College of Education –
University of Saskatchewan
2011 – 2013
Courses Taught
EFDT 885: Investigations in Culture and Environment (Summer 2013)
EFDT 435: Critical Perspectives in Educational Thought and Values (Winter 2013)
EFDT 478: Urban Education (Summer 2011)
3. Research Assistant for Dr. Marcia McKenzie – University of Saskatchewan
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January 2009 – June 2013
 Assisted with grant applications. I have worked on three successful Social Sciences and
Humanities Research (SSHRC) grants: Youth Identifications with Place and
Sustainability: Implications for Environment-related Education ($112,000, 2011-2014),
The Sustainability and Education Policy Network: Leading Through Multi-Sector
Learning ($1,964,996, 2012-2018), and the establishment of a Sustainability Education
Research Institute Centre at the University of Saskatchewan ($230,000, 2012-2014)
 Conducted literature reviews for publications
 Transcribed and analyzed research data
 Assisted grading students’ assignments
4. Research Assistant, Canadian Prevention Science Cluster
2012-2013
 Facilitated the 4th R After School Program at Oskayak High School and White Buffalo
Youth Lodge (Fall 2012 and Summer 2013)
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Conducted a qualitative study investigating community organizations in Saskatoon
working towards violence prevention, and/or interventions, regarding the topic of
Aboriginal Youth Violence (December 2012 – May 2013)
5. Research Assistant for Dr. Aloysius Newenham-Kahindi
Summer 2012
Assisted formatting a book for publication: Effective people management in Africa
6. Coordinator Educational Resources - American Society for Microbiology
1752 N Street, NW. Washington DC 20036, USA
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June 2005 – December 2008
Successfully managed a digital library of resources for over three years increasing the
resources by 30 percent within 18 months
Assisted manager with organizing and running organization’s annual meeting from
identifying site, plenary speakers; drawing up a program; and running the meeting
Oversaw production and editing of microbiology resources for undergraduate, education
Tracked day-to-day schedules of project deliverables, working directly with crossfunctional members to facilitate solicitation of articles, conducting reviews, editing and
publishing
Used Adobe software (InDesign, Writer, and Photoshop) and MS Office Word, Access,
Excel, FrontPage
Communicated regularly with members, including by phone, emails, and conference calls
Facilitated listserv discussions on topics of importance to the membership
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7. Head of Assessment and Certification Unit - Technical Entrepreneurial, Vocational
Education and Training Authority (TEVETA)
Lilongwe, Malawi
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July 2001 – August 2002
Worked with the South African-based Assessment Institute to develop the TEVET
Qualifications Framework
Collaborated with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (United Kingdom) to develop the
assessment and certification system for TEVET programs
Trained assessors and verifiers
Coordinated development of assessment materials
Designed certifications for National TEVET Qualifications
Developed and maintained a data processing system for the certification system
Monitored and evaluated assessments and verification processes
Supervised one assessment and certification specialist
Served on the Malawi Credentials Evaluation Committee and the Southern African
Development Community (SADC) Technical Committee on Certification and
Accreditation
8. Curriculum Development Specialist - Technical Entrepreneurial, Vocational Education
and Training Authority (TEVETA)
Lilongwe, Malawi
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July1999 – June 2001
Facilitated development of competence based education (CBE) curricula
Trained teachers in developing and delivering CBE curricula
Managed registration and accreditation of TEVET providers
Served on the core research team charged with the responsibility to review and reform the
Apprenticeship System and the Assessment and Certification system in Malawi
9. Subject Officer: Biology and Physical Science - Malawi National Examinations Board
Zomba, Malawi
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April 1995 – June 1999
Coordinated setting, moderating, printing, distributing, writing, and grading of biology
and physical science examinations at primary, secondary and teacher training levels
Trained teachers in developing test items
10. Secondary School Teacher (Physical Science and Biology) - Ministry of Education
Stella Maris Secondary School, Blantyre, Malawi
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October 1991 – April 1995
Taught biology and physical science
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Coordinated the scheduling of end of term examinations including preparing timetable,
identifying and assigning invigilators, and ensuring report cards are completed and
mailed timely
Served as a homeroom teacher
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AWARDS
Teacher Scholar Doctoral Fellowship, University of Saskatchewan, September 2012-August
2013
Graduate Student Association Fellowship, University of Saskatchewan, 2012
John Spencer Middleton & Jack Spencer Gordon Middleton Fellowship, University of
Saskatchewan, 2012
Global Partners II, International Development Research Centre and University of Saskatchewan,
2010-2011
Graduate Fellowships, University of Saskatchewan, 2009-2011
Graduate Tuition, Clark University, 2002 – 2004
USAID Human Resource and Institutional Development Scholarship, University of Malawi –
Chancellor College, 1989-1991
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ACADEMIC PRESENTATIONS
Kayira, J. (2013, June). Relearning our roots: Youth participatory research, Indigenous
knowledge and sustainability through Agriculture. Presentation in C. Gilles class: EFDT
435 - Critical Perspectives in Educational Thought and Values, University of
Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK, June 12, 2013
Kayira, J., Gebhard, A., & Gillies, C. (2013, May). Indigenous anti-racist responses to racialized
violence: Community organizations and violence prevention with urban Indigenous
youth. Paper to be presented at the Ninth International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 15-18, 2013
Kayira, J. (2012, November). Cognitive imperialism in education. Presentation in V. Anserson’s
class: EFDT 101 - Introduction to Education, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK,
November 20, 2012
Kayira, J., Anderson, V., Datta, R., Dyck, S., & McVittie, J. (2012, April). Meanings and
implications of culture in environmental education research. Paper presented at the
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American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada, April 15, 2012
Kayira, J. (2012, January). Relearning our roots: Youth participatory research, Indigenous
knowledge and sustainability through Agriculture. Paper presented at the SENS Seminar,
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK, January 20, 2012
Kayira, J. (2011, July). Relearning our roots: Youth participatory research, Indigenous
knowledge and sustainability through Agriculture. Paper presented to the EFDT 990
Graduate Student Seminar, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK, July 15, 2011
The Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) 2011
National Conference, University of Regina, SK, June 9, 2011: Session Chair
Kayira, J. (2011, April). Socio-ecological learning in a postcolonial context. Paper presented at
the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, New Orleans,
Louisiana, USA, April 11, 2011
Kayira, J. & Anderson, V. (2011, March). Participatory action research: Ethical considerations
and the need for flexibility. Paper presented at the celebration of research conference at
the University of Saskatchewan, SK, March 19, 2011
Kayira, J. (2010, October). Participant: Doctoral Research Seminar, Rhodes University, South
Africa October 4 – 8, 2010
Kayira, J., Anderson, V, Baker, J., & Dyck, S. (2010, March). Investigating environmental
education through participatory research methodologies. Paper presented at the
celebration of research conference at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK,
March 2010
Kayira, J. & Baker, J. (2010, March). Participatory action research presentation in Dr. Marcia
McKenzie’s class: ENVS 898.3 - Qualitative Research Methodologies and Methods,
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK, March 2010
Kayira, J. & Mclean, S. (2009, October). Learning to teach for Social and Ecological Justice: A
participatory research project. A report prepared for the College of Education, University
of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK, October 2009
Kayira, J. (2009, September). Rapporteur: Shifting sands: Shaping sustainability in Northwestern
Saskatchewan. Public outreach workshop organized by the School of Environment &
Sustainability Saskatoon, SK, September 2009
Kayira, J. (2009, June). Participation in curriculum consultation and vetting. Paper presented at
the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Saskatchewan Spring into Action Workshop: At
the Intersections of Education, Environment, and Aboriginal Perspectives, Saskatoon,
Canada, June 9, 2009
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McKenzie, M., Kayira, J. & Wals, A. (2009, May). Education for sustainable development
(ESD) for all?: The paradox of global prescriptions for local development/participation:
Paper presented at the 5th World Environmental Education Congress, Montreal, Quebec,
Canada, May 11, 2009
Kayira, J. How can we design “useful” research and policy agendas? How do we collaborate
with activists and stakeholders? How do we collaborate with academics in other
disciplines? 9th Invitational Seminar in Environmental and Health Education Research,
Montebello, Quebec, May 9, 2009: Facilitator
McKenzie, M. & Kayira, J. (2009, January). Dialogue Community: Sustainable Development for
All?: The Paradox of Global Prescriptions for Local Development/Participation. SENS
Seminar, Saskatoon, January 30, 2009
Kayira, J. (2002, April). The Malawi TEVET qualifications framework. Paper presented at the
Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Technical Committee on
Certification and Accreditation, Johannesburg South Africa
Kayira, J. (2001, April). Curriculum development and standards writing: The case of Malawi
TEVET system. Paper presented at the Entrepreneurship Skills Promotion Workshop,
Harare, Zimbabwe, April 2001
Kayira, J. (2000, September). The Malawi TEVET system. Paper presented at the Competency
Based Education Training Workshop, Dar e Salaam, Tanzania, September 2000
Kayira, J. (2000, March). The role of TEVETA in education for employment. Paper presented at
the Education for Employment Conference, Capital Hotel, Lilongwe, Malawi, March
2000
Kayira, J & Mkandawire, M. (1997, October). Towards closing the gender gap in science and
technology, Gender and science and technology (GASAT): Experiences of the science
camp in Malawi. (1997): Paper presented at the GASAT Regional Conference Lilongwe,
Malawi, 19th – 24th October 1997
Kayira, J. (1994, December). Improving performance of girls in science by using friendship
groups. Paper presented at the Girls Education Workshop, Kalikuti Hotel, Lilongwe,
Malawi, December 19-21, 1994
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PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
Kayira, J. & Bayne, L. (2013, May). The gift of education: Empowering girls in Malawi to
realize their potential. Paper to be presented at The Saskatchewan Chapters of Delta
Kappa Gamma Society International annual meeting, Saskatoon, Canada, May 4, 2013
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Kayira, J. (2011, October). Situating orphan and vulnerable children in Malawi development
context. Paper presented at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Saskatoon, Canada,
October 20, 2011
Kayira, J. (2003, June). The Presbyterian Church in Malawi. Paper presented at the First
Presbyterian Church of Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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PROFESSIONAL AND ASSOCIATION OFFICES AND COMMITTEES
Reviewer:
Environmental Education Research
Environmental Education SIG, American Educational Research Association
Institute for Gender in Research and Development
Session Chair: The Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication 2011
National Conference, University of Regina, SK, June 8, 2011
Member: American Educational Research Association (AERA), 2010 Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM), 2011Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association (SOEEA), 2011Saskatchewan Environmental Industry and Managers Association (SEIMA), 2011Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Inc. (DKG), 2012Committee on Community-based Pedagogies at the University of Saskatchewan 2013________________________________________________________________________
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Volunteer
Ecoblitz: School of Environment and Sustainability, Meewasin Valley Authority, the City of
Saskatoon and Stantec June 26 -27 2013
 Participated in collecting ecological data that will directly inform an environmental
impact assessment for a new bridge/road in Saskatoon.
Student Teachers Anti-racism Society (STARS) at the University of Saskatchewan
 Member of STARS organizing committee, 2012 – to date
Hope for Malawi Foundation Inc., 2012 – 2013
 Assist fundraising activities
Saskatoon Children’s Choir Concert, 2011-2012
 Assisted with winter and summer concerts
The Society for Teaching in Higher Education (STLHE) Conference, University of
Saskatchewan, SK, June 8-11, 2011
 Student volunteer
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St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Saskatoon, April 2011 – 2013
 Assist making sandwiches for Saskatoon Native Ministries
Sustainability Week, University of Saskatchewan, October 2009
 Student volunteer for the School of Environment and Sustainability Students Association
(SEnSSA)
Welcome Orientation, University of Saskatchewan, September 2009
 Assisted with organizing and implementing the International Students welcome event
 Assisted with organizing and implementing the General welcome event
Saskatoon Core neighborhood community garden, Saskatoon, July-August 2009
 Assisted with weeding
Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Saskatchewan Spring into Action Workshop: At the
Intersections of Education, Environment, and Aboriginal Perspectives, Saskatoon June 8 - 9,
2009
 Student volunteer
Member of Selection Committee, MA Environmental Science & Policy, Clark University 20022003
 Assisted in the selection of incoming students
 Supported incoming students with relevant information (e.g. housing, useful tips) to help
them settle in Worcester
Interests
 Zumba dancer
 Gardener
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