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As a teacher of Spanish at the University of North Georgia (91¸£Àûµ¼º½), Dr. Rosaria Meek likes to blend compassion and a joy of learning into the classroom and in leadership.

She teaches a variety of lower- and upper-level Spanish classes and has been teaching online eCampus classes since 2015. She also designed and taught Spanish courses for professions, including business Spanish, medical Spanish, and Spanish for law enforcement.

"My teaching is guided by the principles of the LEAP initiative. I have implemented high-impact educational practices such as service learning, learning communities, collaborative assignments, and diverse experiences," said Meek, who is also certified to teach in various fields in Italy.

She said the pedagogical practices are designed to engage students to become more civic-minded and ethical global citizens and develop intellectual and practical skills aimed at solving real-world problems using critical and creative thinking.

"In the classroom, I foster a mindful community of learners that powerfully promotes agency by creating networks of support in which students feel more comfortable making mistakes and learning from one another in a safe space," she said.

For Meek, teaching and learning are intricately connected.

"I want to instill in my students the joy of lifelong learning. I enjoy not only encouraging them to further their education but pursue further educational opportunities myself.

In 2020, she completed a course of study in Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) offered by Life University. CIT is an international program that combines cutting-edge developments in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, trauma-informed care, peace and conflict studies, and contemplative science.

In 2021, Meek was elected as the president of the Georgia Association for Women in Higher Education (GAWHE). Part of the American Council of Education Women's Network system, GAWHE is a nonprofit volunteer association focused on inclusivity and cultivating a culture of care and advancement for women in higher education.

Her diverse experiences inform her holistic approach to education that promotes an understanding of common humanity and interdependence, necessary skills to develop intercultural competence. In every facet of her work and life, she strives to make an impact to integrate different values, beliefs, and cultures for the benefit of the many.

She earned her master's degree in foreign languages and literature from the University of Palermo in Italy and her Ph.D. in romance languages from the University of Georgia.