Pooneh Lari ’08EDD will join NC State’s College of Education as an assistant professor of education and training in the 2024–25 academic year.
Lari earned her Ed.D. in Adult and Community College Education from NC State College of Education in 2008 and has previously served in a variety of capacities at the college.
Her studies focus on building meaningful learning and practice communities in online environments and ways to design relatable learning experiences for students.
Meet Pooneh:
The following questions and answers have been edited for clarity.
Why did you choose a career in education?
My father was a lifelong educator and as a child I was always amazed by the stories he brought home from class. In my later years I met some of his students and even though years had passed, they still saw my father as their hero. They even told their own stories about what a difference he had made and the impact he had had on their lives. I wanted to be that person!
What inspired you to pursue a PhD?
Sometimes people you meet leave a lasting impression on you that you may not recognize in the moment. Both at home and when I started my first job as an instructional designer at NC State many years ago, I was surrounded by brilliant people. Their pursuit of new knowledge, their drive, motivation, perseverance, and the difference they made in everything and everyone they came into contact with inspired me. They taught me that nothing is impossible.
What sparked your interest in your field of study?
I am interested in these areas of research because online teaching often lacks the opportunity to help students feel like they can build a stronger relationship with the class content, other learners, and the instructor.
What do you find most appealing about training and development?
What excites me most about training and development is shaping the way people learn and develop professionally. I love the constant evolution of this field, where new methodologies and technologies improve learning. The challenge of staying ahead of these trends keeps me engaged and the opportunity to innovate and adapt our approaches is something I find really stimulating. As Masters Coordinator, I have the privilege of preparing future leaders for this field. Seeing students transform into confident professionals is incredibly rewarding and feeds my passion for this work. Watching them develop and knowing that I have played a role in their journey is what makes this field so fulfilling for me.
What did you enjoy most about your time at the University of Education?
What I enjoyed most was the collaborative and supportive environment at NC State’s College of Education. Being surrounded by passionate educators and professionals was inspiring, and the opportunities to contribute to innovative programs and initiatives were incredibly fulfilling. The sense of community, combined with the commitment to advancing education, has made my time here both rewarding and enriching.
What moment or project in your academic career are you most looking forward to? proud of it?
I feel proud when a former student contacts me and says how much I changed their life and that they hope they made me proud! I am finally the person I wanted to become!
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that a classroom, whether in person or online, is a community that requires camaraderie, collaboration, communication, and grace. We allow everyone to come into this safe, nonjudgmental environment where they can learn not only from the teacher and the content, but from each other. We all have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, making our classroom community a very student-centered space.
What do you hope your students learn from you?
Nothing is impossible. If you show desire and commitment, I will take you where you want to go!
What do you think makes someone an exceptional educator?
I like to think that someone who is committed to being an educator is an exceptional educator. You must have a goal and understand your goal as an educator!
