Brielle Harbin
@brielleharbin.bsky.social
Political scientist and education consultant who helps individuals and organizations create work and learning spaces where people feel they belong, confidently and competently talk and cooperate across difference, and thrive.
This week on Notes From a Work Friend, I share a strategy that’s helped me lead deeper, less draining class discussions even in charged political climates.
Fall semester still feels so far away, but it's closer than we think. Here’s a tool to help.
#HigherEd
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Fall semester still feels so far away, but it's closer than we think. Here’s a tool to help.
#HigherEd
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Why We Can’t Afford to Wing It With Class Discussions Anymore
The problem with letting student dialogue “just happen” and what to try instead.
open.substack.com
July 9, 2025 at 3:47 PM
This week on Notes From a Work Friend, I share a strategy that’s helped me lead deeper, less draining class discussions even in charged political climates.
Fall semester still feels so far away, but it's closer than we think. Here’s a tool to help.
#HigherEd
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Fall semester still feels so far away, but it's closer than we think. Here’s a tool to help.
#HigherEd
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Reposted by Brielle Harbin
We have a fantastic new collection on the UVA Teaching Hub curated by @brielleharbin.bsky.social! It's called "From Class to Community: Centering Trust in Learning Spaces," and it features half a dozen great resources on fostering collaborative learning. teaching.virginia.edu/collections/...
From Class to Community: Centering Trust in Learning Spaces — UVA Teaching Hub
<p>A collaborative classroom doesn’t happen by accident; it's created by design. Use these tools to lower resistance, foster trust, and help students learn with one another rather than just from you.
teaching.virginia.edu
May 7, 2025 at 1:20 PM
We have a fantastic new collection on the UVA Teaching Hub curated by @brielleharbin.bsky.social! It's called "From Class to Community: Centering Trust in Learning Spaces," and it features half a dozen great resources on fostering collaborative learning. teaching.virginia.edu/collections/...
Most stories about leaving academia come from people who’ve already made the leap.
But what if you’re still in the in-between?
Not ready to leave.
Not sure you want to stay.
Just... questioning.
I wrote about that space for The Professor Is In: 👉 theprofessorisin.com/2025/05/05/o...
#EduSky
But what if you’re still in the in-between?
Not ready to leave.
Not sure you want to stay.
Just... questioning.
I wrote about that space for The Professor Is In: 👉 theprofessorisin.com/2025/05/05/o...
#EduSky
On the Fence About Academia? You're Not Alone - Guest Post - The Professor Is In
Post 1 of 4 by M. Brielle Harbin, Ph.D. Brielle Harbin, PhD, is a tenured faculty member, an award-winning educator, and the founder of Your Cooperative Colleague LLC, a consulting practice that suppo...
theprofessorisin.com
May 6, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Most stories about leaving academia come from people who’ve already made the leap.
But what if you’re still in the in-between?
Not ready to leave.
Not sure you want to stay.
Just... questioning.
I wrote about that space for The Professor Is In: 👉 theprofessorisin.com/2025/05/05/o...
#EduSky
But what if you’re still in the in-between?
Not ready to leave.
Not sure you want to stay.
Just... questioning.
I wrote about that space for The Professor Is In: 👉 theprofessorisin.com/2025/05/05/o...
#EduSky
What can Game of Thrones teach us about ChatGPT in the classroom?
In my latest post, I make the case that AI is in its "dragon moment"—and what that means for us as educators. 🐉
Spoiler-free, promise. 😎
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/mother-of-...
#edusky #highered
In my latest post, I make the case that AI is in its "dragon moment"—and what that means for us as educators. 🐉
Spoiler-free, promise. 😎
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/mother-of-...
#edusky #highered
Mother of Dragons Meets ChatGPT: Can Faculty Learn Something from Daenerys?
Happy Wednesday, work friends.
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com
April 23, 2025 at 3:21 PM
What can Game of Thrones teach us about ChatGPT in the classroom?
In my latest post, I make the case that AI is in its "dragon moment"—and what that means for us as educators. 🐉
Spoiler-free, promise. 😎
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/mother-of-...
#edusky #highered
In my latest post, I make the case that AI is in its "dragon moment"—and what that means for us as educators. 🐉
Spoiler-free, promise. 😎
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/mother-of-...
#edusky #highered
What if your final review session wasn’t just for students… but for your research too? 🧠
What started as a way to cut down on “What do I need to know for the exam?” emails from students has become something that helps me generate research questions.
📚 Read more: open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
What started as a way to cut down on “What do I need to know for the exam?” emails from students has become something that helps me generate research questions.
📚 Read more: open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Here’s how to design an effective final review session that could help your research too.
Happy Wednesday, work friends.
open.substack.com
April 2, 2025 at 3:28 PM
What if your final review session wasn’t just for students… but for your research too? 🧠
What started as a way to cut down on “What do I need to know for the exam?” emails from students has become something that helps me generate research questions.
📚 Read more: open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
What started as a way to cut down on “What do I need to know for the exam?” emails from students has become something that helps me generate research questions.
📚 Read more: open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Often, doing less is more meaningful. For example, in this easy-to-replicate exercise, students learned more about me and the course material at the same time.
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Bridging the Generational Gap Between Us and Students in Our Classroom
Happy Wednesday, work friends.
open.substack.com
March 26, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Often, doing less is more meaningful. For example, in this easy-to-replicate exercise, students learned more about me and the course material at the same time.
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
“What does it look like to put my oxygen mask on first and make sure that I’m okay while also acknowledging the reality that my everyday efforts are impacting what will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for my students?”
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/this-is-th...
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/this-is-th...
This is the only undergraduate education our students will ever get
Happy Wednesday, work friends.
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com
March 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM
“What does it look like to put my oxygen mask on first and make sure that I’m okay while also acknowledging the reality that my everyday efforts are impacting what will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for my students?”
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/this-is-th...
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/this-is-th...
I’ve learned through experience the power of sharing your story. So many of us have them. What part of your story is worth owning and sharing to help yourself and others?
You can read my latest work published this morning below.
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
You can read my latest work published this morning below.
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Owning Your Story in Academia
Happy Wednesday, work friends.
open.substack.com
March 12, 2025 at 4:20 PM
I’ve learned through experience the power of sharing your story. So many of us have them. What part of your story is worth owning and sharing to help yourself and others?
You can read my latest work published this morning below.
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
You can read my latest work published this morning below.
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
I was promoted & awarded tenure last week! 🎉Help me celebrate by subscribing to the Substack I created to prompt conversations that help make academia a better place from the inside. I write about teaching, writing, etc thru the lens of media & pop culture. #edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Notes From A Work Friend™ | Brielle Harbin, Ph.D. | Substack
For educators interested in bridging differences in university spaces, building cooperative work and learning communities, and overcoming overwhelm and burnout. Click to read Notes From A Work Friend™...
open.substack.com
March 10, 2025 at 5:25 PM
I was promoted & awarded tenure last week! 🎉Help me celebrate by subscribing to the Substack I created to prompt conversations that help make academia a better place from the inside. I write about teaching, writing, etc thru the lens of media & pop culture. #edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
My latest post discussing the rollback of diversity and equity policies in higher ed is now live. In full transparency, it’s getting harder to keep writing every week but I know it will be so important to have documented this moment for future generations.
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
What's in a Name? The disagreement dividing people committed to diversity and inclusion work
Happy Wednesday, work friends.
open.substack.com
February 19, 2025 at 5:16 PM
My latest post discussing the rollback of diversity and equity policies in higher ed is now live. In full transparency, it’s getting harder to keep writing every week but I know it will be so important to have documented this moment for future generations.
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
#edusky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
My latest blog is now live on Substack! In it, I use social media responses to Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl performance to analyze how this quintessentially American experience—the Super Bowl—made the value of higher education so obvious.
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance is a reminder of the importance of social sciences and humanities courses in higher education. Here’s how.
Happy Wednesday, work friends.
open.substack.com
February 12, 2025 at 4:35 PM
My latest blog is now live on Substack! In it, I use social media responses to Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl performance to analyze how this quintessentially American experience—the Super Bowl—made the value of higher education so obvious.
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Teaching any topic related to government or politics is tough right now. There’s no “best way” to show up—we’re all just doing what we can. In my latest blog post, I describe a strategy I’m using to maintain connection with my students despite everything.
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Use This Low-Stress Strategy for Maintaining Classroom Community in Tumultuous Political Times
Happy Wednesday, work friends.
open.substack.com
January 29, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Teaching any topic related to government or politics is tough right now. There’s no “best way” to show up—we’re all just doing what we can. In my latest blog post, I describe a strategy I’m using to maintain connection with my students despite everything.
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
“I’m fighting the urge of escapism. Instead, I keep asking myself what this moment requires of me—what it will require of us?”
My latest Notes From a Work Friend substack release is now live. I appreciate every ❤️, 💭, & ♻️.
#EduSky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
My latest Notes From a Work Friend substack release is now live. I appreciate every ❤️, 💭, & ♻️.
#EduSky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
I’m an educator who’s feeling nervous and uncertain. Read this if you are too.
Happy Wednesday, work friends.
open.substack.com
January 22, 2025 at 4:29 PM
“I’m fighting the urge of escapism. Instead, I keep asking myself what this moment requires of me—what it will require of us?”
My latest Notes From a Work Friend substack release is now live. I appreciate every ❤️, 💭, & ♻️.
#EduSky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
My latest Notes From a Work Friend substack release is now live. I appreciate every ❤️, 💭, & ♻️.
#EduSky
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
“I’ve failed enough at creating community in this context to offer others valuable insights into what it takes to get this right.”
In case you missed it, my latest blog post on creating classroom community is now live!
#edusky #classroomcommunity
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
In case you missed it, my latest blog post on creating classroom community is now live!
#edusky #classroomcommunity
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
January 17, 2025 at 3:53 PM
“I’ve failed enough at creating community in this context to offer others valuable insights into what it takes to get this right.”
In case you missed it, my latest blog post on creating classroom community is now live!
#edusky #classroomcommunity
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
In case you missed it, my latest blog post on creating classroom community is now live!
#edusky #classroomcommunity
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
My latest blog post is live! For my colleagues thinking about the importance of classroom community this semester: I describe an easy assignment you can use to “read the room” and use the info to build a cooperative learning community.
#edusky #collegeteaching
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
#edusky #collegeteaching
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Knowing students’ names is important, but figuring this out is a game-changer for building classroom community.
For educators building work and learning spaces where people productively collaborate across differences, feel they belong, and can thrive.
open.substack.com
January 15, 2025 at 4:55 PM
My latest blog post is live! For my colleagues thinking about the importance of classroom community this semester: I describe an easy assignment you can use to “read the room” and use the info to build a cooperative learning community.
#edusky #collegeteaching
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
#edusky #collegeteaching
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Did you know that in 2023 the U.S. Surgeon General described loneliness as an epidemic in the United States?
In my latest blog post, I describe how to create the writing community you want and need.
Check it out and share if the ideas resonate. #academicwriters
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
In my latest blog post, I describe how to create the writing community you want and need.
Check it out and share if the ideas resonate. #academicwriters
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
So You Want to Be a Part of a Thriving Writing Community?
What You Need to Know to Have the Experience You Both Want and Need.
open.substack.com
January 8, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Did you know that in 2023 the U.S. Surgeon General described loneliness as an epidemic in the United States?
In my latest blog post, I describe how to create the writing community you want and need.
Check it out and share if the ideas resonate. #academicwriters
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
In my latest blog post, I describe how to create the writing community you want and need.
Check it out and share if the ideas resonate. #academicwriters
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
My latest Substack post is now live—check it out! In it, I discuss the importance of community for faculty members and educators. It takes work that isn’t often formally rewarded but it can make the difference between surviving and THRIVING in academia. #edusky open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Community is not just important for our students. We need it too.
On intentionally investing in community-building in 2025.
open.substack.com
January 1, 2025 at 4:17 PM
My latest Substack post is now live—check it out! In it, I discuss the importance of community for faculty members and educators. It takes work that isn’t often formally rewarded but it can make the difference between surviving and THRIVING in academia. #edusky open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Happy (almost) new year! I’ve gained new followers over the last week & want to plug the substack I created w/ weekly tips for building & maintaining university learning and work spaces where people feel they belong & can thrive. You can subscribe for free! #edusky notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com
Notes From A Work Friend | Brielle Harbin, Ph.D. | Substack
Weekly tips and strategies for college faculty, staff, and administrators who want to create work and learning spaces where people feel they belong, confidently and competently talk and cooperate acro...
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com
December 31, 2024 at 11:21 PM
Happy (almost) new year! I’ve gained new followers over the last week & want to plug the substack I created w/ weekly tips for building & maintaining university learning and work spaces where people feel they belong & can thrive. You can subscribe for free! #edusky notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com
This time of year can be complicated—both personally and professionally. In my latest blog post, I describe the end of semester ritual I created for processing the semester and leaving the unhelpful behind. End of semester blues are real and require our attention.
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
How My End-of-Semester Teaching Reflection Practice Improved My Mental Health as a Faculty Member
Happy Wednesday, work friends.
open.substack.com
December 26, 2024 at 11:48 AM
This time of year can be complicated—both personally and professionally. In my latest blog post, I describe the end of semester ritual I created for processing the semester and leaving the unhelpful behind. End of semester blues are real and require our attention.
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Happy Wednesday all! My latest post from my Notes From a Work Friend newsletter is now live!
💡In it, I build on a LinkedIn post I wrote last week about review sessions & offer three principles for designing similarly constructive sessions in any discipline.
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
💡In it, I build on a LinkedIn post I wrote last week about review sessions & offer three principles for designing similarly constructive sessions in any discipline.
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Designing More Effective Final Exam Review Sessions
It’s final exam season for many faculty members.
open.substack.com
December 18, 2024 at 4:03 PM
Happy Wednesday all! My latest post from my Notes From a Work Friend newsletter is now live!
💡In it, I build on a LinkedIn post I wrote last week about review sessions & offer three principles for designing similarly constructive sessions in any discipline.
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
💡In it, I build on a LinkedIn post I wrote last week about review sessions & offer three principles for designing similarly constructive sessions in any discipline.
open.substack.com/pub/notesfro...
Whew, this one. I didn’t expect to feel both triggered and delighted when opening Bluesky and clicking a post this morning. This piece is so important. Especially, the recognition that individual stories should not distract us from the structural issues that allow them. A must read.
I wrote a piece about a certain flavor of academic abuse. I have carried parts of this story for upwards of 25 yrs, & I’m grateful to @chronicle.com for helping me to tell it.
#AcademicSky #HigherEd #PHDchat
www.chronicle.com/article/what...
#AcademicSky #HigherEd #PHDchat
www.chronicle.com/article/what...
What Do We Do With Monstrous Mentors?
It’s time for a reckoning.
www.chronicle.com
December 13, 2024 at 2:39 PM
Whew, this one. I didn’t expect to feel both triggered and delighted when opening Bluesky and clicking a post this morning. This piece is so important. Especially, the recognition that individual stories should not distract us from the structural issues that allow them. A must read.
In case you missed it yesterday. The grading purgatory is real this week!
My new blog post will likely resonate with many of you: tackling grade grubbing at the end of the semester.
❤️ or ♻️ and subscribe to receive my free newsletter to your inbox each week!
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/my-strateg...
❤️ or ♻️ and subscribe to receive my free newsletter to your inbox each week!
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/my-strateg...
My Strategy for Tackling End-of-the-Semester Grade Grubbing
It pays to be proactive rather than reactive when designing courses.
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com
December 12, 2024 at 3:02 PM
In case you missed it yesterday. The grading purgatory is real this week!
My new blog post will likely resonate with many of you: tackling grade grubbing at the end of the semester.
❤️ or ♻️ and subscribe to receive my free newsletter to your inbox each week!
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/my-strateg...
❤️ or ♻️ and subscribe to receive my free newsletter to your inbox each week!
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/my-strateg...
My Strategy for Tackling End-of-the-Semester Grade Grubbing
It pays to be proactive rather than reactive when designing courses.
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com
December 11, 2024 at 4:05 PM
My new blog post will likely resonate with many of you: tackling grade grubbing at the end of the semester.
❤️ or ♻️ and subscribe to receive my free newsletter to your inbox each week!
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/my-strateg...
❤️ or ♻️ and subscribe to receive my free newsletter to your inbox each week!
notesfromaworkfriend.substack.com/p/my-strateg...
I’ve seen quite a bit of conversation about AI ethics that has focused on student cheating and intellectual property but not AI sweatshops in East Africa.
This reporting by 60 minutes is a must watch.
youtu.be/qZS50KXjAX0
This reporting by 60 minutes is a must watch.
youtu.be/qZS50KXjAX0
Training AI takes heavy toll on Kenyans working for $2 an hour | 60 Minutes
YouTube video by 60 Minutes
youtu.be
December 9, 2024 at 8:09 PM
I’ve seen quite a bit of conversation about AI ethics that has focused on student cheating and intellectual property but not AI sweatshops in East Africa.
This reporting by 60 minutes is a must watch.
youtu.be/qZS50KXjAX0
This reporting by 60 minutes is a must watch.
youtu.be/qZS50KXjAX0
I’ve had very similar experiences, which is why I always share that I’m a doctor & when I say I’ve read up on something, I’m not talking WebMD expert. Still had to pay 2k out of pocket last year for a routine dental procedure after years of only needing cleanings twice a year. The greed is real.
Storytime.
In 2005, my mom died from cancer, but the real cause was the actions taken by an insurance company 12 years earlier. What happened to her was evil, hard to identify or fight, and hidden from the public by legal mechanisms. Because of that, I have no idea how often it has happened.
In 2005, my mom died from cancer, but the real cause was the actions taken by an insurance company 12 years earlier. What happened to her was evil, hard to identify or fight, and hidden from the public by legal mechanisms. Because of that, I have no idea how often it has happened.
December 8, 2024 at 1:56 PM
I’ve had very similar experiences, which is why I always share that I’m a doctor & when I say I’ve read up on something, I’m not talking WebMD expert. Still had to pay 2k out of pocket last year for a routine dental procedure after years of only needing cleanings twice a year. The greed is real.