About | Sewordor Toklo

About Sewordor Toklo

Biography

My name is Sewordor Toklo, and I am a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at the University of Alberta. My academic focus centers on research and university-level teaching.

I serve as the Director of Black Youth for Social Innovation at the University of Alberta. In my leisure time, I enjoy playing and watching soccer.

You are welcome to get in touch if you have questions, research inquiries, or would like to collaborate.

Teaching Philosophy

Central to my teaching philosophy is a dedication to equity pedagogy, acknowledging each student's uniqueness and adapting my teaching to remove learning barriers. In addition, I incorporate narrative pedagogy, drawing upon personal experiences to co-create knowledge and foster constructive, collaborative learning environments in which students actively participate.

I firmly believe that every student brings evolving insights and valuable personal experiences to the classroom. I commit to creating a classroom environment where students critically analyze, openly share, and collaboratively build upon their unique life experiences.

I prioritize fostering critical thinking by encouraging students to explore how their privileges, including power, gender, wealth, and systemic structures, shape their worldviews and responsibilities in our interconnected global society.

Teaching Experience

Concordia University of Edmonton, Canada

Sessional Instructor

International Relations: Fall 2026
Introduction to Government: Fall 2026

University of Alberta, Canada

Teaching Assistant

Introduction to Political Science: Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Comparative Politics: Winter 2024

National Research University Higher School of Economics, Russia

Teaching Assistant

International Economics: 2022
Research Seminar: 2021

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Teaching Assistant

Comparative Politics and Public Administration: 2017

Reflection on Teaching & Student Learning

As a seminar leader and instructor, I have observed that some students hesitate to participate in discussions due to shyness, low self-confidence, or concerns about peer intimidation. This prompted me to re-evaluate and continuously refine my instructional methods.

Effective strategies include well-structured discussion prompts, encouraging active participation, group team activities, and providing additional guidance to hesitant students in order to create a dynamic, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

Speaking & Leadership

Presentation at Senior Leadership Retreat at the U of A

I presented alongside two outstanding Black Youth for Social Innovation students, Hilda Chris-Amadin and Harrisen Distant, at the University of Alberta Senior Leadership Retreat. It was a privilege to share space with the university’s senior leadership, including President Bill Flanagan, Verna Yiu, Carrie Smith, Robert Woods, and other distinguished leaders, and to contribute to meaningful conversations shaping the university’s future concerning Black Students.

Presenting on Advancing Black Youth Leadership and Mentorship

I presented on behalf of Black Youth for Social Innovation (BYSI) in collaboration with the Organization for Economic Development and Diplomacy (OEDD). In my presentation, I highlighted the key challenges facing Black youth today and explored pathways for advancing Black youth mentorship programs, with a strong emphasis on youth-led approaches. I also stressed that beyond the popular saying that “the future belongs to the youth,” the reality is that the present belongs to the youth—here and now. As such, young people must be empowered today to lead and sustain a truly pluralistic society.

Reflections on Black Scholarship and Anti-Racist Futures

I appeared on Dr. Andy Knight’s Podcast, hosted by Andy Knight, where I shared my reflections on his course, “Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures.” During the conversation, I spoke about my experiences as a young Black scholar in Canada and how these experiences inform my engagement with Black history, and contemporary Black presence.

Presenting at the University of Alberta Senate

I presented to the University of Alberta Senate, showcasing our work with Black Youth for Social Innovation (BYSI) and highlighting our efforts to advance Black youth leadership, mentorship, and community-centered innovation.

Presenting on Decolonizing University Curricula

I presented at a symposium on decolonizing university curricula at the University of Alberta, where I engaged in critical discussions on rethinking knowledge production, pedagogy, and institutional practices to advance more inclusive and equitable academic spaces.

Special Area of Interest

Youth Mentorship & Social Innovation

Director of Black Youth for Social Innovation

Leading impactful mentorship and research initiatives empowering Black youth at the University of Alberta.

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Student and Peers Evaluation

Feedback and testimonials from lectures, seminars, and peer engagements.

"Hi Mr. Toklo, I am a student of yours in political science 101 with Dr. Aitken. A few weeks ago, you taught the class about electoral politics, movements, and anarchy. I absolutely loved learning from you! I really liked your lecture slides and was wondering if you could send them to me or post them on e-class because I’d like to review the diagrams on the phases of a movement. Thank you so much..."

- Student

"His lesson on how change can occur (like the origins of change, revolutions, the ways change is adapted into society) was really well done and incredibly beneficial. I felt like he explained material really well and actually taught me something."

- Student

"Very respectful and a kind teacher who most definitely supported my learning process!"

- Student

"I found his explanations and additions to our seminar very helpful for moving the conversation forward to something that became insightful every time!"

- Student

"The TA specifically reached out to me with the instructor when he was concerned someone had said something to offend me that he hadn't heard. He wanted to make sure I was okay, and was not dissuaded from sharing thoughts and ideas. I really appreciated the efforts to maintain a respectful climate in the seminar group."