Sarina Molina

Sarina Molina, EdD serves as an Associate Dean and Associate Professor at the University of San Diego. Her work focuses on socioculturally responsive pedagogical practices, teacher development, and contemplative education.

• EdD in Leadership Studies - University of San Diego
• MA in East Asian Languages and Literature: Linguistics - University of Hawaii
• BA in East Asian Languages and Literature: Japanese - University of Hawaii

Molina specializes in:
1. Exploring socioculturally salient pedagogical practices for teaching English internationally;
2. Supporting marginalized populations (immigrants, refugees, rural poor) through critical ethical frameworks;
3. Teacher development via responsive mediation and constructive-developmental theory;
4. Classroom research to improve instruction and evolve practitioner-researcher identities;
5. Integrating contemplative education with eastern/western wisdom traditions and positive psychology.

She emphasizes the transformation of professional identity through graduate study, advocating for systematic inquiry to enhance educational practice. Her work aligns with critical pedagogy and reflective teaching methodologies.