UW-Stout
Director, Nakatani Teaching and Learning Center
Professor | Social Science Department
Kim Zagorski is a Professor of Political Science and in her first year as Interim Director of the Nakatani Teaching and Learning Center. Her research interests center around the intersection of political communication, human rights, and policymaking, with a focus current on environmental pollution and drinking water. Kim is also active in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, currently studying the impacts of student research anxiety in methods classes.
During my 20 + years at UW-Stout, I have taught a range of political science classes in various formats. No matter the class, the fundamentals of good teaching remain the same: engaging with your students, meeting them where they are, and being your authentic self. I aim to create an inclusive classroom experience with material that is engaging, relevant, and current. Each semester, I deliberately challenge myself to do something different in each class. This often results in new active learning and student research experiences. I also want these experiences to be applicable outside the classroom. Therefore, my courses link theory with practice, ensuring students understand that seemingly distant and disparate political events impact their daily lives. They also help students learn skills transferable to their majors and professional careers. This includes critical thinking, information literacy, communication, and data visualization.
