Inclusive Teaching in Action: Hannah Lee Wins August Shout-Out

Inclusive teaching that empowers all learners is at the heart of this month's Teaching Shout-Out, awarded to Dr Hannah Lee of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Her thoughtful, student-centred approach reflects a deep commitment to accessibility and equity in education.

Hannah Lee with her Teaching Shout-Out Award

Hannah's teaching practice is grounded in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) — a framework that encourages flexible teaching methods and assessment formats to support the diverse needs of all learners. Her students describe her as "incredibly supportive," with one nominating student noting:

"I have a disability and need adaptations and flexibility. Hannah supplies these with a smile. She believes fully in her students and does everything she can to make sure we succeed."

Since the university shifted away from notifying lecturers about students’ disabilities, Hannah has embraced the challenge of designing learning experiences that are inclusive by default.

"It’s made me more intentional and creative," she says. "I want every student to feel like the learning environment was built with them in mind."

Her use of alternate formats, adaptive assessments, and a collaborative approach to extension requests reflects a deep respect for students' lived experiences.

"When students request an extension, I encourage them to reflect on everything they’re juggling and propose a realistic timeframe. It’s a small act of negotiation that fosters ownership over the quality of their work — and that’s a skill they’ll carry into their careers. Interestingly, students often suggest less time than I would have offered, and they meet the revised deadline with highly engaged, meaningful learning."

A long-standing member of the Lincoln whānau, Hannah holds multiple degrees from the university and continues to contribute through both teaching and research. Her office wall, filled with photos of past students, speaks to the strong connections she builds and the lasting impact of her work.

This month's Shout-Out highlights the power of inclusive teaching to foster equity, confidence, and success. Hannah’s thoughtful and empowering approach is a model for us all.

Congratulations to Hannah on this well-earned recognition.