Simone Van Der Merwe, MA

Simone Van Der Merwe is an experienced educator, curriculum specialist, and scholar dedicated to transformative learning in higher education. She currently serves as a Learning & Curriculum Innovations Specialist at Trinity Western University, where she develops high-quality online curricula aligned with institutional learning objectives and student success outcomes. Additionally, she is a part-time faculty member at Trinity Western University MA in Leadership, teaching courses in leadership and research methods.

Simone’s academic journey reflects her passion for leadership and education. She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership with a focus on Adult Education from Trinity Western University and is currently pursuing an EdD in Learning and Organizational Change at Baylor University. Her research, including her publication Transformational Servant Pedagogy in Higher Education, highlights her dedication to fostering inclusive and student-centred learning environments.

Beyond her work in academia, Simone has a strong background in faith-based leadership, having served in various church leadership and ministry roles in Brazil, the United States, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada. She integrates this experience into her teaching philosophy, emphasizing integrity, active listening, and the importance of creating identity-safe learning spaces.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-van-der-merwe-37310020b

• EdD in Learning and Organizational Change (Baylor University, USA; Fall 2024 to Summer 2027)
• Master of Arts in Leadership, Adult Education (Trinity Western University, Canada; January 2021 to November 2022)
• Diploma in Theology (Rhema Bible College, South Africa; January 2006-December 2008)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil; January 2001 to December 2004)

Expertise

Simone Van Der Merwe specializes in leadership education, transformational servant pedagogy, and culturally responsive teaching in higher education. With cross-cultural teaching experience in five countries, she is adept at engaging students in face-to-face, online synchronous, and asynchronous modalities.

Her research interests include student engagement, identity-safe learning environments, and active listening in leadership. She is particularly focused on creating inclusive educational spaces that foster a sense of belonging and academic success for diverse learners.

Simone also has experience in course design, adult learning, and faith-based leadership, bringing a holistic approach to education that integrates academic excellence with servant leadership principles.

• LDRS 490 Leading in the World
• LDRS 500 Leadership Foundations
• LDRS 591 Scholarly Inquiry
• LDRS 697 Leadership Integration Project I
• LDRS 698 Leadership Integration Project II