My Metamorphoses as an International Relations Teacher

Abstract

Learning to teach International Relations (IR) is a skill that is often assumed to take place largely via osmosis. How an IR academic develops teaching competency is a story that is seldom told, hence the process often remains an enigma for young academics. My chapter charting metamorphosis from a novice to an expert IR teacher intends to relocate teacher development from the realm of the mystical to that of the practical. I reflect on how both my interactions with university teaching and learning advisors and involvement in IR programs that demanded innovative teaching and learning strategies expedited the development of my teaching competencies. I ultimately argue that for me, seeking to be an excellent IR teacher has led to a state of continually becoming.