Zeba Shahbaaz, Ph.D.

• Develop course curriculum and facilitate instruction at an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for the following courses: ENGL 1010 (Freshman English I), ENGL 1020 (Freshman English II), ENGL 2013 (Black Arts and Literature), ENGL 2023 (Black Literature Short Story and Novel), ENGL 3010 (Critical Approaches to Literature)
• I chair the Graduate Program Committee, where I compile data from the previous graduate program (6 years ago) alongside other faculty members, to make recommendations for a new, prospective English master’s degree program to be implemented by the College of Liberal Arts within my home department (Languages, Literature and Philosophy-LLP)
• I chair the Career Preparedness Committee, where I create and facilitate events that emphasize transferrable skills in the Humanities alongside LLP faculty members in support of current English majors and minors and other undergraduate students at Tennessee State University who are actively preparing for internships and the job market after graduation.
• Used effective teaching techniques and learning strategies in translating lesson plans into productive student learning experiences
• Evaluated students' abilities and grasp of English language, keeping appropriate records and preparing progress reports.
• Selected and prepared educational resources, taking account of students' interests and cultural backgrounds.

• Developed lectures for students enrolled in ENGL- 100/101 (Freshman English I and II), 221 (English Literature II), 226 (Basic Grammar and Mechanics), 331 (Writing Science and Technology), 410 (Shakespeare), 445 (Race and Shakespeare) that encourage critical responses, proper citation formatting (MLA & APA), revision processes, and analytical writing demonstration
• Constructed weekly written assignments on real-world and abstract topics to maintain student engagement and proficiency in writing
• Utilized literary supplementary materials for in-class discussions, essay responses, and group presentations.
• Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
• Contributed to positive academic and social tone of school by demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm for academic community.
• Initiated, facilitated and moderated classroom discussions for college-level English students.

• Prepared and facilitated instruction for the following courses while enrolled as a Ph.D. in African American and African Diaspora Studies: AAAD-A 132 (Recent African American and African Diasporic Literature) , AAAD-A 250 (U.S. Contemporary Minorities), AAAD-A 113 (Atkins Living and Learning Center Foundational Course).
• Participated and taught for the GROUPS Scholars Program for diverse students during summers as Ph.D. student.
• Devised new methods of imparting knowledge on African American and African Diasporic history and culture in order to increase engagement and retention.
• Contributed to creation of training materials such as handouts, scripts and website content.
• Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
• Met with students to dispense study and career advice and provide guidance and potential opportunities within chosen field.

• Advancing Mathematics and Science Skills (AMASS) Summer Enrichment Program, Collaborated with the College of Arts and Sciences to prepare overachieving high school seniors with SAT preparation
• Facilitated activities for students in the areas of theses development, reading comprehension, vocabulary building, short responses, and timed (typed) essays
• Prepared SAT writing prompt materials, rubrics, and online tests for students during scheduled sessions.
• Designed and developed instructional activities using data from student learning style assessments.
• Defined and articulated goal learning outcomes, performance metrics and changes to improve student learning.
• Encouraged participation by maintaining positive attitude and proactively engaging students in activities and lessons.

• Managed 110 employees by administering and processing all human resource related concerns such as payroll, leave of absences, and scheduling
• Interviewed and recruited talented employees for the Dothan and other store locations throughout the state of Florida & Alabama by attending career fair expositions at various universities
• Contributed to the 23-million-dollar annual revenue at Dothan Target store by leading store advertisement processes, overseeing inventory count, and leading district/group partner visits while focusing on total store operations and customer service management.
• Influenced across multiple corporate levels and program partners.
• Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
• Effectively allocated tasks during high-traffic times to keep operations running smoothly and employees focused.

• Interviewed undergraduate students on campus who wanted to improve their professional responses and resumes for employment opportunities
• Collaborated with other mock-interview mentors for on-campus events and networking opportunities with employers such as Target Corporation, Strayer University, and Sherwin-Williams
• Supported career center in organizing Spring Career fair on campus.
• Consulted with undergraduate students regarding career and job role selection, interviewing and resume and cover letter planning.
• Evaluated strengths and weaknesses of candidates through effective screening processes.
• Worked with recruiting teams and human resources representatives to accomplish hiring objectives.

• Study Abroad: Location, Nassau, Bahamas: Diaspora Conversations: A Collective Historiography of Bahamian Slavery and Resistance, African Heritage, Religious indoctrination, and language Creolization (Summer 2016)
• Dissertation: Black Then and Now: Interior Life and the Transformative Black Self
• Awarded at Indiana University, Bloomington

April 2019, Leading the Way Award; Black Graduate Student Association and the College of Arts and Sciences

April 2016-19, William Wiggins Associate Instructor of Record Award; Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies

April 2016-18, Medal of Honor for University Outreach Award; Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies

• Thesis: Say It Loud, and Keep Saying It: How 19th Century Black Rhetoric Shaped the Many Voices of the Civil Rights Movement
• Awarded at North Carolina A&T State University

May 2013, Dr. Wadaran L. Kennedy 4.0 Scholar Award