Dr. Bettina von Lieres is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, in the Department of Global Development Studies at UTSC. Von Lieres has been a leader in global education for over a decade and her work emphasizes democratic education, critical global learning and global partnerships.  

Von Lieres has played a key role in U of T Scarborough’s international development co-op program, guiding students through immersive eight-month internships in the Global South. She was an early adopter of virtual global classrooms, well before the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated online learning. Through her Global Classroom for Democracy Innovations initiative, she has brought students together across continents, engaging in real-time, interactive discussions on critical global concerns.  These global classrooms have been instrumental in preparing students for leadership roles in cross-cultural and international settings.  

Von Lieres teaches mainly undergraduate courses in the field of critical citizenship studies and community development. She views her classrooms as sites for inclusive and democratic citizenship.  Her teaching Interests include inclusive global classrooms and activist pedagogies. Her research Interests include democratic representation, activism and inclusive pedagogies.