CV 5/22
EDUCATION The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee
Doctor of Philosophy in Education, 2011 – 2016
Learning Environments and Educational Studies
Advisor: Katherine H. Greenberg, Ph.D.
Dissertation: The Student Experience of Other Students
Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods in Education
Graduate Minor in Watershed Studies
Morehead State University Morehead, Kentucky
Master of Arts in Teaching 2005 – 2007
Certification in Secondary Mathematics and Spanish
The Colorado College Colorado Springs, CO
Bachelor of Arts 1997 – 2001
Physics
Other Emphases: Spanish, Art
TEACHING Assistant Professor Jefferson City,
EXPERIENCE Carson Newman University Tennessee
Department of Education 2017-present
Instructor of Foundations of Education, Community Engagement,
Social Studies Methods
Chair of Ed.D. committees
Adjunct Professor Knoxville, Tennessee
The University of Tennessee 2016
College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
Educational Psychology, Advanced Learning Theory
Graduate Instructor Knoxville, Tennessee
The University of Tennessee 2011 – 2016
College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
Educational Psychology
Teacher
Belfry High School Belfry, Kentucky
Spanish, Mathematics 2006 – 2011
Teacher
The David School David, Kentucky
Mathematics, Physics, Spanish, Careers 2004 – 2006
PUBLICATIONS
Greenberg, K. H., Sohn, B. K., Moret, L. (2022). Life in an ungraded course. College Teaching. (Online ahead of print). https://doi.org/10.1080/87567555.2022.2046998
Sohn, B. K. (2020) Coming to appreciate diversity: Ontological change through student-student relationships. Journal of Transformative Education. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1541344620940811
Sohn, B. K. & Shabazz, S. (2020). Critical thinking with nowhere to go. In B. Noël Smith and R. Hewitt, Love in education and the art of living. Information Age, Studies in the Philosophy of Education Series.
Shabazz, S., Sohn, B. K., Harness, M., Aronson, B. A. (2019). A prison education counternarrative: “Mock citizenship” in a women’s prison. Journal of Education and Culture Studies, 3(4), 439-546.
Dunn, K. E., Skutnik, A., Patti, C., & Sohn, B. K. (2019). Disdain to acceptance: Future teachers’ conceptual change related to data driven decision making. Action in Teacher Education. DOI: 10.1080/01626620.2019.1582116 *Winner of the 2019 Editor’s Choice Award for Outstanding Article
Greenberg, K. H., Sohn, B. K., Greenberg, N., Pollio, H. R., Thomas, S. P., Smith, J. (2019). The phenomenological heart of teaching and learning: Research, theory, and practice. Routledge.
Sohn, B. K., Greenberg, K. H., Thomas, S. P., Pollio, H. R. (2017). Hearing the voices of students and teachers: A phenomenological approach to educational research. Qualitative Research in Education, 6(2), 121-148.
Sohn, B. K. (2017). Review: Phenomenology as qualitative research: A critical analysis. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 38(6), 528-529.
Sohn, B. K. (2017). Phenomenology and qualitative data analysis software (QDAS): A careful reconciliation. Forum: Qualitative Social Research 18(1). http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs1701142
Sohn, B. K., Plaas, K., Franklin, K. A., Dellard, T. K., Murphy, B., Greenberg, K. H., Greenberg, N. B., Pollio, H. R., Thomas, S. P. (2016). Freedom to connect: The existential dimension of transformative learning in a graduate seminar. The Journal of Transformative Education, 14(3), 178-199.
Sohn, B. K. (2013). Review: The varieties of ecstasy experience: An exploration of person, mind, and body in Sydney’s club culture. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 34(6), 472.
PRESENTATIONS
Peer-Reviewed Conference Papers
Sohn, B. K.,Smith, J., Greenberg, K., Greenberg, N., Thomas, S. (January 30-February 1, 2019). Can they learn without grades? A phenomenological approach to assessment. Annual Conference on Higher Education Pedagogy, Blacksburg, Virginia
Sohn, B. K. (November 7-11, 2018). Something Old, Something New: Service Learning in the Technological Revolution. Paper submitted with the panel: Redefining Work and Education in the Technological Revolution: Local and Global Perspectives. Annual meeting of the American Educational Studies Association, Greenville, SC.
Sohn, B. K. (November 1-5, 2017). Remembering and Un-Forgetting with Existential Phenomenology. Paper submitted with the panel: Memories of Citizenship: Narratives and Counternarratives. Annual meeting of the American Educational Studies Association, Pittsburgh, PA.
Sohn, B. K. (November 1-5, 2017). Insider and Outsider as Appalachian Citizen. Paper submitted with the panel: Social Foundations as a Sanctuary for Memory. Annual meeting of the American Educational Studies Association, Pittsburgh, PA.
Sohn, B. K. (February 2-4, 2017). Critical thinking with nowhere to go. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Southeast Philosophy of Education Society, Knoxville, TN.
Sohn, B. K. (November 2-6, 2016). Classroom and campus climate when diversity is under attack. Paper submitted with the symposium: The University of Tennessee’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion: Under the gun. Annual meeting of the American Educational Studies Association, Seattle, WA. Symposium selected as Reviewer’s Choice.
Patti, C., Skutnik, A. L.,Dunn, K. E.,& Sohn, B. K. (August 4-7, 2016).Pre-service teachers’ past and future with Data driven decision making (DDDM): I always wondered why. Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association Convention; Denver, CO.
Skutnik, A. L., Patti, C.,Dunn, K. E.,& Sohn, B. K. (August 4-7, 2016).Pre-service teacher’s misunderstandings of Data driven decision making (DDDM). Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association Convention; Denver, CO.
Sohn, B. K., & Yom, J. K. (April 8-12, 2016). The role of relationship in stem education: A first person perspective. Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Washington, D.C.
Peer-Reviewed Conference Papers (Continued)
Sohn, B. K. (February 1-2, 2016). Using qualitative data analysis software for phenomenology: A careful reconciliation. Annual Meeting of the Ethnographic and Qualitative Research Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
Sohn, B. K. & Simpson, L. E. (November 11-15, 2015). Love as practiced: Care, trust, and respect transform a student-teacher relationship. Annual Meeting of the American Educational Studies Association, San Antonio, TX.
Sohn, B. K. & Baldwin, M. B. (November 11-15, 2015). Cultivating a love of learning through ecology-based curriculum. Annual Meeting of the American Educational Studies Association, San Antonio, TX.
Sohn, B. K. (October 30-November 3, 2013). Good Science: An Alternative to the Bad Science and Bad Business of Global Education Reform. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Studies Association, Baltimore, MD.
Sohn, B. K., & Paulk, M. (October 30-November 3, 2013). Parks as classroom: Beyond the four walls. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Studies Association, Baltimore, MD.
Sohn, B. K. (October 12-13, 2012). The philosophical roots of place- and community-based education. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the South Atlantic Philosophy of Education Society, Boone, NC.
Sohn, B. K. (February 10-11, 2012). Exploring praxis through service learning. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Southeast Philosophy of Education Society, Birmingham, AL.
Peer-Reviewed Workshops
Greenberg, K., Greenberg, N., Thomas, S., Moret, L., Murphy, B., Sohn, B. K., & Smith, J. (April 8, 2019). Messing about at the heart of teaching.Innovative Teaching and Learning Conference, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Greenberg, K., Greenberg, N., Thomas, S., Murphy, B., Sohn, B. K.,Smith, J., & Moret, L., (January 30-February 1, 2019). Messing about at the phenomenological heart of teaching.Annual Conference on Higher Education Pedagogy, Blacksburg, Virginia
Conference Workshops (Continued)
Sohn, B. K. (February 16-18, 2017).The past, present, future pedagogical framework: Enacting Dewey’s theory of experience through critical reflective practice. Annual Conference for Higher Education Pedagogy, Blacksburg, VA.
Greenberg, N., Greenberg, K. Sohn, B. K., Thomas, S., Murphy, B., & Plaas, K. (February 16-18, 2017). The art and science of teaching.Annual Conference on Higher Education Pedagogy, Blacksburg, Virginia
Sohn, B. K. (February 10-12, 2016). Space and place, safety and risk: Designing a classroom climate for transformative learning. Annual Conference for Higher Education Pedagogy, Blacksburg, VA.
Greenberg, N., Greenberg, K., Plaas, K., Murphy, B. & Sohn, B. K. (February 10-12, 2016). The natural history of the teachable moment: Exploring practices that enhance profound learning experiences. Annual Conference for Higher Education Pedagogy, Blacksburg, VA.
Greenberg, K., Deshpande, D., Franklin, K., Greenberg, N., Murphy, B., Plaas, K., Pollio, H., Sohn, B. K., & Thomas, S. (February 4-6, 2015). Teaching conservatives, liberals, and libertarians: A conversation about opening learners to more pluralistic views of academic content. Conversation session co-taught at the Annual Conference for Higher Education Pedagogy, Blacksburg, VA.
Franklin, K., Dellard, T., Murphy, B., Plaas, K., Skutnik, A., Sohn, B. K., Williams, M., Greenberg, K., Greenberg, N., Pollio, H., & Thomas, S. (February 5-7, 2014). A transformational twist on learner-centered teaching: Experience and existential phenomenology. Conversation session co-taught at the Annual Conference for Higher Education Pedagogy, Blacksburg, VA.
Peer-Reviewed Conference Posters
Aronson, B., Sohn, B. K., Sander, S., & Shabazz, S. (November 2-6, 2016). Complicating the labors of teaching: Challenges in higher Ed, K-12, and corrections. Poster submitted to the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Studies Association, Seattle, WA.
Pettigrew, J., Sohn, B. K., Dalton, E. D., Castillo, M. A., Allsup, J. (May 26-29, 2015). Resistance in a lenient alcohol environment: Personal or national drug control policy in Nicaragua, Central America? Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Society for Prevention Research, Washington, D.C.
Sohn, B. K. (February 4-6, 2015). Transformative learning and classroom climate: An interdisciplinary study of a unique graduate seminar. Poster presented at the Annual Conference for Higher Education Pedagogy, Blacksburg, VA.
Peer-Reviewed Conference Posters (Continued)
Sohn, B. K., & Skutnik, A. (February 5-7, 2014). Listening to students 1, 2, 3: Analyzing first, second, and third-person data collection methodology for understanding student experience. Poster presented at the Annual Conference for Higher Education Pedagogy, Blacksburg, VA.
Sohn, B. K. (March 8, 2013). Investigating inspiration: Learning science through investigation. Poster presented at the Annual Graduate Student Research Colloquium, Knoxville, TN.
RESEARCH
EXPERIENCE
In my research I pursue topics relevant to education in the Appalachian region with a global view combining empirical research and philosophy of education.
2020-Present. AISL UTK College of Engineering
This research group is developing a grant for a unique STEM education program for out-of-school student experiences.
2011-Present. Phenomenology and Existentialism in Education Research Group
This research group examines exceptional teaching and learning. We have published a book and papers and presented posters and workshops. As a long-term member of the group, I advise other researchers in the initial stages of their studies.
2014-2017. Teaching Professionalism and Assessment Practices
Working with Dr. Karee Dunn and doctoral researchers, we examined pre-service teacher attitudes towards data-driven decision making and simulated parent-teacher conferences.
2012-2015. High School Nano-technology Research
I investigated student experience in original science research. I designed the study, interviewed students, transcribed interviews, coded and analyzed data, developed paper and poster presentations.
2014. Nicaragua Drug and Violence Prevention
This research project was funded by the government of Nicaragua with the intent of reducing demand for illicit drugs and reducing violence.
2012-2013. Pi Beta Phi Elementary School and Place-Based Education
I analyzed pilot interviews with students and teachers regarding experience of the Parks as Classroom National Parks Program, and conducted research into place-based education.
2012-2013. Waters and Civilization Course Improvement Research
Interviewed students and instructor of a flipped course, guest lectured, consulted with instructor on results and potential course improvements.
SERVICE
Professional Service
2018-Present. External Reviewer. Forum: Qualitative Social Research.
2017-Present. External Reviewer. Qualitative Research in Education.
2016-Present. Reviewer. American Educational Studies Conference.
2017, March, 2016, October. Guest Lecture: Phenomenology as Research Methodology. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling. Introduction to Qualitative Research.
2016-2017. Consultant, Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education Core Course Committee for Teacher Education Planning.
Attended meetings focused on aligning teacher education curriculum requirements to national standards (CAEP/InTASC) for the purpose of program accreditation.
2016, Fall semester. Coordinator, Educational Psychology.
Supervised three graduate instructors in a required educational psychology course as part of The University of Tennessee’s teacher education program.
2016, July-August. Reviewer: American Educational Studies Association.
Reviewed various conference proposals related to philosophy of education and multicultural education.
2016, June. Guest Lecture/Facilitator: Phenomenological Pedagogy.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Educational Psychology
and Counseling. Meeting the Needs of Nontraditional and Underachieving Learners.
2016, June. Dissertation Methodology Consultant: University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, Counselor Education.
2012, October. Guest Lecture: Watershed Development Work in Huaraz, Peru.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Department of Earth and Soil Science. Waters and Civilizations.
University Service
2017-Present. Various Committees. Served on the Liberal Arts Committee, Environmental Stewardship Committee, Honors Committee, Diversity Committee, QEP Committee, Department of Education Advisory Council Diversity Committee Chair.
2017-2019. CAEP Review Committee. Collected and analyzed data from the teacher education program to serve in continuous improvement.
University Service (Continued)
2015-2016. Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education Core Course Committee for Teacher Education Planning Member. Attended meetings focused on aligning teacher education curriculum requirements to national standards (CAEP/InTASC) for the purpose of program accreditation.
2012, 2015. Learning Environments and Educational Studies Student Representative. Attended faculty meetings as my program representative.
2014. Assistant Website Designer
Department of Educational Pyschology and Counseling, The University of Tennessee.
2012-2013. Student Mentor
Learning Environments and Educational Studies program.
Community Outreach
2019-Present. Member.
Erin Presbyterian Church Outreach Committee. Participated in meetings, reviewed budgets, participated in service projects.
2015-2018, 2021-2022. Volunteer.
Anderson County Schools and Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park
Supervised youth climbing, engaged in trail maintenance/building, conservation.
2017. Invited Speaker.
Norris Middle School. Spoke regarding careers and motivation.
2012-2013. Volunteer Teacher of Map-making, Program Advisor
Pond Gap Elementary School, The University of Tennessee Outdoor Program (UTOP)
Taught fourth grade summer program, coordinated with UTOP for development of programs.
2011-2013. Volunteer Workshop Leader in Connecting Theory and Practice
Joy of Music School
Taught workshops to assist volunteer teachers.
2011-2012. Volunteer in Communications
Hola Hora Latina (Hispanic arts and culture organization)
Recruitment, administrative duties.
2009-2015. Faculty Sponsor
Belfry High School Robotics Team
Oversaw robot design and build process, coached play.
Community Outreach (Continued)
2007-2011. Faculty Sponsor
Belfry Environmental Club, Belfry, Kentucky
Oversaw school recycling program, planned meetings, arranged guest speakers and field trips.
2006-2011. Consultant
Pike County Youth Leadership Council, Pike County, Kentucky
Acted as consultant to members on potential projects and advocacy techniques.
2009-2010. Board member, Secretary
Pike County Artisan Center, Pikeville, Kentucky
Assisted in development of mission and vision and fund raisers.
2008. Volunteer Teacher and Worker
Alpine Conservation Partnership, Huaraz, Peru
Taught and worked on watershed health, science, and development.
2004-2006. Faculty Coordinator of Community Service
The David School, David, Kentucky
Oversaw service projects including water testing, flood relief, and community development.
PROFESSIONAL
MEMBERSHIPS
American Educational Research Association
Appalachian Studies Association
American Educational Studies Association
HONORS
2019. Editor’s Choice Award for Outstanding Article. Action in Teacher Education.
2015. Recipient of Graduate Student Senate Travel Fund.
2013. Recipient of Graduate Student Senate Travel Fund.
2012. Recipient of Educational Psychology and Counseling Department Travel Fund.
2011. Recipient of the Seaton Graduate Fellowship, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
2007-2011. Pike County Youth Leadership Council, Consultant of the Year
2010-2011. Selected to implement Spanish video-conference teaching program, Pike County Schools
2010-2011. Yearbook dedication, Belfry High School
2010. Selected teacher for senior college transition math program, Eastern Kentucky University
2009. Community Outreach Grant, Pike County Schools
2004-2005. David School Teacher of the Year
BrianKSohn.com 