Carissa J. Zall

Carissa J. Zall serves as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Secondary MAT Program at Lewis & Clark College's Graduate School of Education and Counseling. She teaches Social Studies Methods, Legal Issues in Education, and Classroom Climate while coordinating graduate practicum placements. Her leadership extends to directing the Secondary MAT Program Summer, Teacher Pathway Program, and Gender Diversity Certificate Program.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Education Theory & Practice from Simon Fraser University (expected 2025)
• MA in Political Science from Virginia Polytechnic University (2013)
• MAT in Secondary Education from Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling (2005)
• BA in Conflict Analysis & Resolution from George Mason University (1997)

Professor Zall's research integrates civic engagement with social justice, emphasizing conflict resolution frameworks and legal-education connections. Her 20+ years in classrooms and 15 prior years in human rights advocacy—including civil rights work during Northern Ireland's armed conflict—inform her equity-centered pedagogy focused on trans-inclusive education and care ethics.

Her professional recognition includes:

• James Madison Foundation Fellow for Constitutional Law Educators

She provides strategic oversight as Senior Program Manager for Oregon's Civics Learning Project while mentoring future educators through practicum coordination. Her multi-state teaching licenses and certifications in online education, instructional design, and gamification support innovative curriculum development. Personal advocacy for gender-expansive youth stems from parenting five trans/non-binary young adults, driving her Gender Diversity Certificate Program leadership.

Professor Zall maintains active roles in teacher development across K-12 systems while balancing academic work with table-top gaming and time with her puppy Ramona.