Dr. Fouzia Usman
Positions
Educational Developer
Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, TI Academic and Research Team
Contact information
Web presence
Phone number
Office: 403.220.6960
Preferred method of communication
My preferred mode of communication is email
I'm looking for...
Research partners
I am interested in collaborating with fellow scholars on research related to frameworks and models that discuss embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion in the curriculum
Background
Educational Background
PhD Educational Research (Leadership), University of Calgary, 2019
MA Educational Administration and Supervision, Loyola University Chicago, 2011
BSc Human Environmental Studies, Southeast Missouri State University, 2004
Biography
Dr. Fouzia Usman is an educator, educational researcher, developer, and consultant with nearly 20 years of experience advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in educational contexts. Her work spans K–12 and postsecondary education, with a focus on critical pedagogies and anti-oppression practices. She has taught courses at the Werklund School of Education on topics such as diversity for learning and learning theories, and her doctoral research explored inclusion in Dubai’s education system, guiding administrators and policymakers to improve practices for students with specific learning needs. She also brings international experience from her work with the Higher Education Department for the Government of Dubai, supporting system-wide projects in student engagement, satisfaction, and quality assurance.
As an educational developer at the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, Fouzia collaborates with faculty and academic leaders to integrate EDIA and anti-racism principles into teaching, learning, and curriculum development. She facilitates programs connected to the Taylor Institute’s Certificates in University Teaching and Learning and serves as a key contact for EDIA-related inquiries. Her research and professional interests include anti-oppression pedagogy, decentering whiteness in curriculum, equity and inclusivity in teaching and learning, and intercultural competency among faculty members. Beyond the university, she contributes to community-based anti-racism initiatives, including the Calgary Police Service Anti-Racism Action Committee and the City of Calgary’s Anti-Racism Strategy Working Group.
Research
Areas of Research
Courses
| Course number | Course title | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| TI 0995 -001 | Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Post-Secondary Education | Fall 2021 |
| EDUC 450 | Diversity in Learning | Winter 2021 |
| EDUC 450 | Diversity in Learning | Winter 2020 |
| EDUC 450 | Diversity in Learning | Winter 2019 |
| EDUC 435 | Literacy, Language and Culture | Fall 2018 |
| EDUC 450 | Diversity in Learning | Winter 2018 |
| EDUC 445 | Individual Learning Theories | Winter 2018 |
| EDUC 450 | Diversity in Learning | Winter 2017 |
| TI 0334 | EDIA in Teaching and Learning | Spring 2024 |
| TI 0991 | Anti-racism in Teaching and Learning | Fall 2023 |
Awards
- Roderick William Peden Memorial Graduate Scholarship in Education, University of Calgary. 2017
- Richard Hirabayashi Scholarship, University of Calgary. 2014
- Grace Hoover International Scholarship, Southeast Missouri State University. 2004
- Distinguished Alumna Award, Women’s Resource Center, University of Calgary. 2024
Publications
- Reflections on International Graduate Students and Their Community of Practice. El Khoury, E & Usman, F.. Transformative Dialogues: Teaching and Learning Journal. (2018)
- Teaching in White Spaces as a Visible Minority. Aujla-Bhullar, S., Usman, F.. American Educational Research Association, Toronto, Ontario. (2019)
- Racism and its Discomforting Truths: A Need to Shift towards Anti-Racism. Usman, F. . O’Brien Institute for Public Health EDI Speaker Series. (2020)
- Designing for Every Student: Practical Advice for Instructional Designers on Applying Social Justice in Learning Design. El Khoury, E & Usman, F.. The Journal for Applied Instructional Design . (2021)
- Diversifying course content through an EDI perspective. Kelly, P; Usman, F. . University of Calgary Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning . (2021)
- Learning Module: Anti-Racism, EDI and Positionality in Teaching and Learning. Usman, F. . University of Calgary Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning . (2023)
- Creating Inclusive Course Outlines. Anselmo, L. & Usman, F. . University of Calgary Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning . (2023)
- Courageous practice comes with fierce compassion and empathy. Fouzia Usman, PhD. Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning . (2024)
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, And Accessibility: Trends And Practices Across U15 Institutions. Neha Bhatia, Jaime Parades Paez, Fouzia Usman. UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY | Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning. (2025)
- Shifts and Transformations in Canadian Postsecondary Teaching and Learning: Views from Teaching and Learning Centre Leaders. Kenny, N., Arshad, M. A., Biswas, S., Carter, J., Dyjur, P., Flanagan, K., Grant, K. A., Kaipainen, E., Martineau, C., Mason, D., Miller, S., Norman, D., Smith, E. E., Stowe, L., & Usman, F. . Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning Research & Publications. (2025)
In the News
- Names of Calgary police anti-racism committee members made public. Global News. (2021)
- 'Whole community is horrified': Time for leaders to act after Muslim girl beaten, hijab ripped, community members say. Calgary Herald. (2021)
- Get comfortable with being uncomfortable: Taylor Institute launches new Anti-Racism in Teaching and Learning badge this fall. (2023)
- Campus-wide EDIA survey launches, offering unique opportunity for direct input into overall strategy. UCalgary News. (2024)
- Know a leader in inclusive education? Here’s how you can honour them . UCalgary News. (2025)
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