Jonathan Sears

Dr. Jonathan Sears serves as an Associate Professor of International Development Studies and Affiliate Faculty in Political Studies at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU). He also holds the role of Associate Dean at Menno Simons College (MSC), a program centre of CMU. His research focuses on decolonizing pedagogy and anti-oppression education, particularly in global development and peacebuilding contexts. Co-authoring a book chapter on these themes with Jodi Dueck-Read, he emphasizes reflective teaching practices to challenge dominant narratives.

Teaching interests include global politics, comparative politics of sub-Saharan Africa, and courses exploring authority and legitimacy in governance. He actively engages students in critical discussions about their roles in development work, drawing from 15 years leading the senior seminar in International Development Studies.

Beyond academia, Sears contributes to community initiatives like Fort Garry Mennonite Fellowship’s children’s ministries, fostering intergenerational connections. His philosophical approach to teaching is guided by humility and creating spaces for peer-to-peer learning. Recent community efforts include supporting wildfire evacuees through CMU’s outreach programs.