Diana Letts-Piedrahita (BHSc '12), Teaching Development Facilitator, Teaching Centre and Sessional Instructor II, Department of Modern Languages

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am originally from Santiago de Cali, Colombia, and have lived in Canada for the past 23 years, with 21 of those years in Lethbridge. My journey after completing my first degree took me to London, England, where I pursued my English language studies and lived with family. It was on the way there that I met my husband, Matt. We later moved to Canada when Matt secured a teaching position at Trent University, in Peterborough, Ontario. Not long after, an opportunity at the University of Lethbridge brought us to Lethbridge, where we have been raising our children and made our home. Along the way, I completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Public Health Administration at the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Education at the University of Barcelona, Spain.

How long have you been at ULethbridge and what do you here?
I have been serving as a Teaching Development Facilitator for almost three years at the Teaching Centre. In this role, I contribute to developing pedagogical strategies, support faculty, and lead professional development sessions for graduate students. I’m dedicated to creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment, which helps students succeed academically and fosters a lifelong love of learning.  I have also been a Sessional Instructor II of Spanish at the University of Lethbridge for many years. My passion for language acquisition and integrating technology into education is evident in my work.  My deep love for the university, its students, and its faculty motivates me to give back whenever possible, often through volunteer work. I’m committed to the university community, particularly through my efforts to address food insecurity on campus. As co-chair of the Food for Thought Initiative at the UofL, I’m driven by a genuine concern for student well-being and enhancing the campus experience. Recognizing the urgent and critical nature of food insecurity and its profound impact on overall health and academic performance, I have collaborated with my co-chair, students, and community organizations to ensure the initiative’s success. I have coordinated various projects, supervised and mentored applied studies, and collaborated with Student Services to help mentor work2learn students, cultivating their professional and leadership skills. I also developed a Food Literacy Program in collaboration with students, empowering them to facilitate workshops and share new knowledge and skills for making informed, healthy food choices. This includes understanding basic nutrition, meal planning, and budgeting for groceries. I named and played a key role in developing the Food for Thought “Bodega”, which provides free food items to students in need.

What's the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is working with colleagues, faculty and graduate students who share my passion for teaching. In my role as a Teaching Development Facilitator, I work with faculty and graduate students by providing pedagogical support, conducting class observations, and offering feedback on teaching strategies. I organize the New Educator Orientation and support new educators with course development, pedagogical approaches, and assessment strategies tailored to their specific needs and teaching styles. I also developed the IMPACT Workshop, which stands for Innovation, Mentorship, Planning, Assessment, Collaboration, and Technology. This program, offered every term, provides a safe and inclusive space for grad students, teaching assistants and postdocs to enhance their teaching skills. I have a strong interest in exploring how AI-powered technologies can enhance and support learning outcomes in education. I enjoy engaging in discussions with educators and IMPACT participants regarding not only the capabilities, but also the ethical considerations, personal implications, and overall impact of AI-powered technologies on teaching and learning. I am deeply committed to supporting our faculty and enhancing student learning experiences. I love our vibrant university community and dedicate my extra time to various projects aimed at improving student well-being and engagement.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Family is everything to me. I cherish the moments we spend together, from a short drive home from an extracurricular activity to a stroll around the coulees. We love travelling, visiting family abroad, camping in the mountains, exploring new places, or simply making memories at home, dancing or cooking together around the kitchen. Each experience with them is a treasure.