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Each year, members of our community nominate remarkable educators for a  â€” a recognition of their exceptional contributions to the teaching, learning and the student experience here at ¶¶ÒõAPPµ¼º½.

Spanning , the awards celebrate educators who excel in their roles across the university, and whose impact — as instructors, staff members, graduate students, or subject leaders — has inspired a member of their network to put their name forward. 

As academic staff, students and support staff prepare nominations for the 2025 Teaching Awards, last year's recipients have taken a moment to reflect and offer advice.

Dr. Jeffrey Frank Dunn, PhD

Professor, Cumming School of Medicine | 2024 Award for Educational Leadership (Informal) recipient

What feedback have you heard from students that reinforces the convictions that you hold for educational leadership?

“We have many individual comments saying how the science communication certificate program had a positive impact. I was particularly pleased to see that, in response to the question, 'I have a hard time communicating about scientific results with non-scientists', there was a significant improvement in self-assessed ability. 

“It is also very rewarding to have ex-students tell me about specific achievements they attributed to having taken the course. For instance, multiple students of mine have published articles in the online magazine, . 

“One student described a critical situation at an international conference where, when they started their talk they discovered that their slides were not available. They had the confidence and presence to give their talk without the slides — much to the delight of the audience.�

If there's anything you'd like to share about the impact of receiving this award, what is it? 

“I think award recipients probably share a common belief that excellence in teaching is an important goal. I have been given two teaching awards at ¶¶ÒõAPPµ¼º½. These provide some level of validation that my teaching methods have merit. This validation helps me believe that both students and educators, those who follow, could benefit from my experiences. This helps me to keep innovating in education.â€�

Dr. Qian Liu, PhD

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Arts | Recipient of the Award for Full-Time Academic Staff (Assistant Professor) 

You were recognized for the Award for Full-Time Academic Staff (Assistant Professor) - what advice would you give to educators preparing to apply to this award category? 

“I understand that many assistant professors are busy with class preparation, getting another paper, book or manuscript out of the door, and some are perhaps still settling down and moving their family here. All of this may discourage us from taking the time and effort to put together a nomination dossier for the teaching award. It is, as expected, time-consuming. 

“But it is a healing process for us to appreciate and celebrate the hard work we have done to ensure the high quality of our teaching. It is an opportunity and a good excuse for us to take the time for ourselves out of our busy schedule to reflect on our journey and plan for the future. 

“The highlight of the whole process is that you get to work with your nominators who care about your teaching achievements and practices.�

If there's anything you'd like to share about the impact of receiving this award, what is it? 

“A leading scholar in my field once told me, 'Those who have received teaching awards tend to be great human beings because, at the very least, they are liked by their students and colleagues.' Receiving this award is a lovely affirmation that the care and energy I bring to the classroom matter and a reminder that I am surrounded by great human beings who appreciate our positive connections.�