Ryan Blaak

Background

About Ryan Blaak

I am a Historian, Educator, and Researcher with over two decades of experience in higher education and applied history. My work bridges the classroom, the archive, and the community - whether teaching Canadian and British Columbia history, consulting on Indigenous land and policy issues, or developing innovative approaches to student learning. As a Pedagogy Innovator, I experiment with and implement new ways of engaging learners including Ungrading, Team-Based Learning (TBL), the UnEssay, COIL, and the ethical integration of Generative AI. I combine these methods with EdTech tools like Brightspace, Perusall, Padlet, and Mentimeter to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Alongside teaching, I have worked as a Historical Research Specialist, supporting Indigenous communities with archival research, expert reports, and historical context for land and governance issues. I am also a Writer, with experience in curriculum design, policy reports, book reviews, and presentations. Currently, I serve as Chair of the Humanities & Social Sciences Department at North Island College, where I advocate for the value of the Humanities & Social Sciences as I work to impact curriculum, learning outcomes, and cross-departmental collaboration. I am passionate about advancing the role of Higher Education as a space for critical thinking, person-centred learning, innovation, and reconciliation - and I welcome opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that share these goals.