For Meagan Pilo, teaching has always been closely connected to her passion for learning and helping others grow. Today, she brings that perspective to her role as an instructor with McMaster Continuing Education, where she teaches Wellness in the Workplace and Human Resources Management.
Finding her way back to McMaster
Meagan’s connection to McMaster began long before she became an instructor. After graduating from McMaster University with a BA in English, she began her career teaching in Japan, working with students from elementary school through adulthood. She quickly discovered that teaching adult learners was particularly well-suited to her personality and teaching style.
Her career later evolved into Human Resources, with a focus on talent management, leadership development, succession planning, and organizational design. After completing a Master of Education in Language, Culture and Teaching, she went on to work across the private and public sectors, in senior management, individual contributor and consulting roles.
After taking time away from work to focus on her young family, Meagan was ready to return to the workforce. She decided to refresh her HR knowledge by enrolling in McMaster Continuing Education’s Organizational Behaviour course.
Soon after, Meagan joined the McMaster Continuing Education team as an instructor in the Human Resources Management program.
Teaching in a changing world
For the past two years, Meagan has taught Wellness in the Workplace and Human Resources Management each term. With her background in both education and HR, she brings experience from both sides of the learning experience into the virtual classroom.
She has also seen firsthand how much online education has evolved.
“I am amazed at the advancements of the online education environment since my early days in the industry and the level of sophistication and complexity of the Learning Management System.”
Why wellness matters
Of the courses she teaches, Wellness in the Workplace is particularly meaningful to Meagan. She believes its focus on financial, mental, physical and social wellness is especially relevant to today’s workplaces.
The course explores how organizations respond to a rapidly changing technological landscape, the entry of different generations into the workforce, and the lasting effects of experiences such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty.
For Meagan, the course offers students practical tools and examples while encouraging them to consider wellness holistically. Having taught students from a range of generations and backgrounds, she has seen how strongly the subject matter can resonate.
Learning from every student
Meagan’s teaching philosophy is simple: she wants students to have the best possible learning experience.
She believes every student brings valuable knowledge and experience to the classroom and encourages learners to engage, share ideas and support one another.
“I often tell my audience that there is not ‘one’ qualified teacher in the class, but 25 or 30, depending on the size of the class, as everyone brings in unique skills and experiences that we can cross-pollinate.”
She also encourages students to think critically, step outside their comfort zones, and take risks in their learning, and to view learning as a journey, not a destination.
Continuing to learn and grow
Meagan’s passion for learning extends beyond her teaching. She is interested in mindfulness, minimalism and environmental awareness, and contributes articles to No Sidebar, a website focused on these topics. She is also developing her own website to continue sharing her writing.
From returning to McMaster Continuing Education as a student to becoming an instructor, Meagan’s journey reflects her belief in the value of lifelong learning and the opportunities it can create.
“Education is everything, the gateway to endless possibilities.”
Learn more about McMaster Continuing Education’s Human Resources Management program.
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