New faculty Q&A: Meet Jo Sheppard

Jo Sheppard

Meet Joanna Sheppard (she/her), who joined the University of Alberta Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR) on Aug. 1 as an associate teaching professor and in-field learning/experiential learning lead. Sheppard, who goes by ‘Jo’, is originally from Ontario, and joins us from the University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, where she spent 15 years in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Kinesiology. 

A wife and mom of two, Sheppard is a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIIA+ community, and she strives to be a positive role model in her personal and professional life, advocating for inclusivity and acceptance for all. 

This lifelong Toronto Blue Jays fan recently spoke to us about her passion for her work, the importance of collaboration and her desire to contribute to a more accepting society for generations to come. 

What drew you to the field of kinesiology, sport and recreation?

Sports have always held a special place in my heart, and I consider myself fortunate to have been part of various sports teams, including basketball and softball. My dedication to continuous learning led me to pursue both a bachelor’s degree in physical education as well as a master’s degree in the Faculty of Health Sciences from Brock University (in Ontario), where I gained comprehensive insights into various aspects of health and physical education. 

Following my master’s, I pursued a doctoral degree at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, with a primary focus on curriculum, teaching and learning. This academic journey provided me with an opportunity to conduct in-depth research and contribute to the advancement of the field of teaching personal and social responsibility through gameplay. 

Throughout my educational pursuits, my goal has remained consistent: to make a positive impact on the lives of students, athletes and participants by instilling confidence, competence and a lifelong love for sports and physical activity. As I continue to grow as an educator and researcher, I’m committed to sharing my expertise and passion with others, empowering them to reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom. I find immense satisfaction in witnessing the growth of every participant and student, ensuring they feel confident and capable by the end of their respective sports seasons or academic years.

What is your research focus, and why does that subject interest you? 

My research focuses on exploring how to effectively teach life skills through physical activity and sports. I firmly believe that children should engage in activities that promote holistic development and last throughout their lives. My passion lies in ensuring that our children and youth not only acquire the skills and concepts inherent in sports and games — problem-solving, teamwork, communication, discipline, resilience and leadership — but also understand how these skills and concepts can be applied in their everyday lives, communities and homes. 

Through my research, I aim to contribute to the creation of effective teaching methods that enable educators and coaches to foster character development, emotional intelligence and a sense of community among young learners. It’s my firm belief that nurturing these qualities during childhood and adolescence will have a profound and positive impact on their future as responsible and empathetic citizens.

What do you love about your work/research? 

I thoroughly enjoy my work with students. Working in education isn’t just a job for me; it’s a passion. Witnessing the growth of students from their first day in my classroom to their triumphant graduation has been a rewarding experience.

I constantly strive to enhance my teaching methods, learning environments and assessment techniques to prepare our students for their future endeavors. In my new role at KSR, I’m excited to continue this journey of mentorship and guidance for all the students I will be working with. 

I cherish collaborating with colleagues to exchange ideas and continuously improve my practice and I’m committed to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment for every student I encounter. 

What will you be teaching?

I’ll be assuming the administration of our existing practicum program, and I look forward to spearheading the development and implementation of our innovative in-field learning suite of courses that will provide our students with valuable real-world experience and hands-on learning opportunities. In this new role, I’ll teach practicum courses, allowing me to mentor and guide students as they embark on their practical journey in the field. 

I’m thrilled to also be teaching courses in games and physical activity for youth. This aligns perfectly with my passion for imparting life skills through sports and physical education, allowing me to make a meaningful and lasting impact on our students’ educational journey, preparing them for successful careers and instilling in them a deep understanding of the importance of holistic learning and lifelong skills.

What are you most looking forward to in your new position?

I believe that collaboration is the key to unlocking new perspectives and finding innovative solutions to the challenges we face, so I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, students and members from both the private and public sectors, as well as the broader University of Alberta community. 

I’m excited to build on existing relationships and forge new ones, nurturing a culture of teamwork, creativity and innovation. Together, we can make significant strides in advancing our collective knowledge, make a positive impact on our community and leave a legacy of excellence in learning and discovery within the university community.

What is your favourite sport or pastime?

Being active with my young family is something I cherish, and we engage in various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and spending quality time at the beach. I recently had the incredible joy of watching my three-and-a-half-year-old son, Jack, run the bases at the Rogers Centre (Skydome) in Toronto! It was an unforgettable moment that further deepened my love for baseball. These moments of shared adventure bring us closer together and create lasting memories.

As we settle in our new home in St. Albert, we’re excited about embracing new experiences, and one of our upcoming family activities will be picking up cross-country skiing. Exploring the snowy landscapes and enjoying the winter wonders together will undoubtedly be another fantastic addition to our active lifestyle.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

I would say to her, "Keep being true to yourself! Embrace your passions and pursue everything you do with fervour and dedication. Never lose faith in the world or your belief in the goodness of humanity. The future is bright and as you continue to be true to yourself, you'll find happiness and fulfilment in embracing who you are and who you love.”