Kairn Klieman

KLIEMAN’S TEACHING SEEKS TO BREAK BARRIERS

Kairn Klieman developed her teaching techniques as an English-as-a-Second-Language instructor in Africa. Since then, her UH students and colleagues say she has honed them to the highest standard.

The university agrees, honoring the associate professor of history with a Teaching Excellence Award.

Klieman says education at its best “liberates students, allowing them to break through personal and societal barriers that might otherwise prevent them from constructing a purposeful, creative and satisfying life.”

By providing an understanding of Africa’s past, and “directly Shea  confronting the roots and causes of negative stereotypes,” she challenges students to “question deeply rooted cultural biases, distorted media representations and even political/economic policies designed to aid the poor.”
One former student called his first class with Klieman “a turning point” in his life.

Recipients of the Teaching Excellence Award receive a trophy and a $5,000 check.

Douglas Britt
Staff writer