Top 10 Directors of Teaching and Learning - 2026

Higher education rarely follows a predictable path, and few careers illustrate that better than the journey of Sean Michael Cox, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Bay Atlantic University. Nearly three decades ago, his career began as a full-time professor before a department chair role led him toward university administration. Cox describes his transition as partly “happenstance.”

Christina Hoverman is Director of Teaching and Learning at Worthington Christian School, where she supports curriculum and instruction after years as an English teacher and department head. A Ohio State University graduate, she is pursuing a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at Kansas State University.

David Goldman directs teaching, learning, and assessment at Rutgers University, where his team partners with faculty across 47 disciplines on instructional design and technology. A UCLA graduate, he is also active in the POD Network's diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

Erik Von Burg has spent over 25 years with Mesa Public Schools, moving from classroom teacher to Executive Director of Academics. An Arizona State University graduate, he now leads Teaching and Learning Support for the state's largest public school system.

Heidi Hojnicki is Director of Teaching and Learning at Kingswood Oxford School, drawing on over 20 years as a high school English teacher. A University of Massachusetts Amherst graduate, she focuses on teacher development, curriculum design, and building an equitable, inclusive curriculum.

From San Antonio College, Dr. Joan Jaimes leads research-driven professional development and training focused on educational change and student success. A first-generation college graduate with a PhD, she is Quality Matters Certified and ACUE credentialed, with expertise in educational policy and program evaluation.

Julia Snowfrock is Director of Teaching and Learning at Spartanburg Day School, where she leads faculty development across grades 2K-12 and publishes the "Learning Lived" newsletter. A University of Pennsylvania graduate and former math teacher and associate academic dean, she champions equitable grading and student-centered learning.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Business, Kasey Linde works with the Teaching and Learning Center to strengthen experiential learning and student development. An experienced higher education administrator, Kasey brings expertise in coaching, program management, fundraising, and marketing.

Marcus Berkshire is Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at Higley Unified School District, where he connects assessment, curriculum, and professional learning to improve student outcomes. A Northern Arizona University graduate, he brings experience as a teacher, principal, and district data leader.

Steven Mathews, Ph.D., is Director of Teaching and Learning at Reading Area Community College, where he guides faculty in student-centered pedagogy and accessible Canvas course design. He holds a doctorate in music theory from the University of Cincinnati and is a Canvas Certified Technical Admin.