Recipients of the 2023-2024 Decanal Awards for Teaching Excellence & Outstanding Graduate Mentorship
Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in Education
Anne Corkery, Education
School of Education Assistant Professor, Anne Corkery, is recognized for the ways she incorporates outdoor education and supports student learning through integrative and hands-on lessons and activities. Nominators highlighted her commitment to building community within the classroom and valued her support, compassion, and kindness, all of which inspired them as teacher candidates. “Anne involved herself as a co-learner on our journeys this semester. It never felt like there was a rigid hierarchy in the classroom,” shared one nominator.
Trent Durham GTA Award for Teaching Excellence
Dr. Madison Moore, Child and Youth Studies
Dr. Madison Moore, an Assistant Professor in Child and Youth Studies, received many nominations that spoke to her innovative and creative pedagogical approaches that support student engagement, foster creativity, and create deep student learning. She is recognized for her thoughtful course design that allows students to engage directly with materials and concepts, supporting critical thinking and reflection. As one nominator shared, Moore’s “unwavering dedication to student success exemplifies her as an educator who not only imparts knowledge but also profoundly impacts her students' growth both academically and personally.”
Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in Nursing
Dr. Victoria Reid-de Jong, Nursing
Trent/Fleming School of Nursing Sessional Faculty Member Dr. Victoria Reid-de Jong is recognized for her diverse pedagogical approaches, integration of technology, and in-depth and constructive feedback, all of which supports student learning and understanding of complex and difficult topics. As one nominator noted, “Professor Reid-de Jong promoted effective learning outcomes by nurturing critical thinking in her assignments and classroom discussions.”
Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Brent Ryan Bellamy, Cultural Studies
Dr. Brent Ryan Bellamy, a Sessional Faculty Member in the departments of Cultural Studies and English, received glowing nominations that highlighted his ability to develop a welcoming and supportive learning environment; Dr. Bellamy’s pedagogical approach allows him to migrate between a facilitator and a co-learner, actively supporting students’ critical thinking skills. Nominators appreciate his genuine care and passion for supporting student learning and well-being. One nominator shared, “His presence even impacted the harmonious nature between students in his class. His classroom was truly a joy to be in, and one I looked forward to attending even in the midst of stressful midterm and exam seasons.”
Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in the Sciences
Dr. Cheryl McKenna-Neuman, School of Environment
Dr. Cheryl Mckenna-Neuman, a Professor in the School of the Environment, is lauded for her ability to use innovative and thoughtful teaching methods to build student knowledge and integrate core concepts into meaningful experiences. Nominators celebrated her dynamic approach and ability to build rapport and foster engagement. As one nominator noted, “Dr. McKenna-Neuman has effectively cultivated an environment that not only meets learning outcomes but also instills a lasting appreciation for scientific inquiry and knowledge among the students.”
School of Graduate Studies Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship for Senior Mentors
Dr. Neil Emery, Biology
Dr. Neil Emery, Professor and Chair of Biology and member of the graduate faculty in the Environmental and Life Sciences program, was recognised for his approach to mentorship. Professor Emery inspires and supports his students, providing them with ongoing guidance and diverse learning experiences and encouraging them to take on local and global academic and professional opportunities. One nominator shared that “Dr. Emery’s guidance extends beyond mere academic pursuits; he takes a holistic approach to mentorship, providing invaluable support in personal development as well. Without comparison, his ability to tailor his mentorship style to meet the unique challenges and aspirations of each graduate student is admirable.”
2024 Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients
Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Laura Summerfeldt, Psychology
Recognizes faculty and staff members who encourage learning and who offer unique experiences to their students, challenge them to do their best work, and inspire them to learn.
Laura Summerfeldt, a Professor in the Department of Psychology, is championed for her mentorship, passion and motivating support for her students within the classroom and throughout their academic careers. With great skill and care, Dr. Summerfeldt structures and scaffolds her classes in a manner that supports discussion and exploration while seamlessly integrating teaching strategies that are largely student-led. As described by one nominator, “watching her in this context has been an incredible opportunity for me as she has a masterful ability to direct, consider, respond, challenge, and inspire learning – all fluidly and in real-time – despite often being in situations that lack the safety and predictability of highly structured lesson plans.” By fostering a growth mindset, Dr. Summerfeldt is able to encourage risk-taking in a safe and structured environment offering students the opportunity to engage in critical moments of self-discovery. As a nominator described, “Dr. Summerfeldt tactfully inspires students to venture beyond their comfort zones, encouraging the development of new skills and instilling greater confidence in their academic pursuits.” Deeply dedicated to student success, Dr. Summerfeldt is valued for her leadership, ability to inspire confidence, and her continuous support and genuine care.
Award for Educational Leadership and Innovation
Dr. Dan Roronhiakewen Longboat, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies
Recognizes faculty and staff who have distinguished themselves through their educational leadership, teaching, innovation, and successful communication.
Dan Roronhiakewen Longboat, an Associate Professor for the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and Director of the Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences (IESS) program, is recognized for making significant contributions to Trent and the wider community. Championed for creating the first IESS undergraduate degree, Professor Longboat is also recognized for developing the IESS program’s academic governance structure, co-founding the TRACKS (Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science) program, developing a variety of innovative and cross-disciplinary undergraduate IESS foundational courses, co-founding the Trent Indigenous Environmental Institute, and presenting as a keynote speaker at numerous academic and Indigenous conferences. Professor Longboat is commended for his desire and ability to design spaces where Indigenous Knowledges and Western sciences interact and collaborate with one another. As explained by a nominator, “Professor Longboat’s teaching responds to one of the strong desires of modern Indigenous society: to bring Indigenous Knowledges forward to inform Indigenous daily life both as individuals and as nations and to use Indigenous Knowledges as a basis for solutions to issues facing Indigenous peoples.” Nominators also recognized his focus on student success and his ability to create learning communities that are safe and supportive for students. As one nominator noted, “His contribution starts with the 1100 students he has taught over the last decade, but certainly doesn’t end there.”
Award for Excellence in Online Teaching
Dr. Else Marie Knudsen, Social Work
Recognizes instructors who have demonstrated a passion for, and commitment to, online teaching and who have implemented effective approaches to fostering active learning and student involvement.
Else Marie Knudsen, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work, is this year’s recipient of the Award for Excellence in Online Teaching. Students commend her continuous and unwavering support and encouragement as she goes above and beyond to ensure their understanding of complex topics. Dr. Knudsen’s captivating and dynamic style supports students as they engage with the course content through different innovative and creative activities. As one nominator noted, “Else’s online courses are designed in a way that is inspiring to learners. Else’s online courses have demonstrated the ability of engaging with students individually and as a group, encouraging their success.” Dr. Knudsen approaches online education with the whole student in mind, actively seeking to support their well-being and academic performance through thoughtful learning activities. As a nominator described, “She has provided guidance and encouragement, offering insights and advice beyond textbooks. Her approach is holistic, acknowledging that the well-being of her students influences their academic success.” Passionate about online education, Dr. Knudsen inspires both students and instructors with her organized, creative, and engaging online courses.
CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching
Sarah Ibaid, Child and Youth Studies
Recognizes contract faculty who have a strong, positive impact on students’ learning.
Sarah Ibaid, a course instructor in Child and Youth Studies, is this year’s recipient of the CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching. Students value her approachable nature and ability to maintain a safe and inclusive environment even while discussing difficult topics. She approaches classroom discussions with care and sensitivity and promotes respect by welcoming and celebrating diverse perspectives. According to a nominator, Sarah was able to approach “important issues in a manner which is respectful to all, and she creates a safe learning environment.” Passionate about education, she is recognized for a student-centered approach to teaching in which she seeks to support the whole student by creating thoughtful and engaging lessons and assignments and a dynamic and supportive classroom environment. As one nominator described, “Sarah has demonstrated exceptional teaching skills, consistently providing engaging and thought-provoking lectures that leave her students feeling inspired and motivated.” Deeply committed to student mentorship and success, she actively supports students with academic pathways and professional growth. She consistently goes ’above and beyond’ and provides enduring encouragement and guidance. Both students and staff alike recognized Sarah for her kindness, calm demeanor, and dedication.
Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance
Connor Leshner, Psychology
Recognizes teaching assistants who excel at encouraging learning in workshop, tutorial, seminar, laboratory, or field settings.
Connor Leshner, a Ph.D. student and a Teaching Assistant in Psychology, is this year’s recipient of the Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance. Demonstrating his passion for teaching, Connor is commended for his ability and aspiration to connect with and support his students throughout the duration of the course and beyond. A nominator noted, “Connor told me once I had become one of his students, he would always consider me his student.” His dedication to student success is epitomized in how well he gets to know his students with the intentionality of providing them with the necessary tools for success. As described by a nominator, “He always took the time to get to know each person he worked with individually with the intention that he could better help them if he knew their learning style.” Mr. Leshner supports students’ learning by consistently providing thorough, detailed and constructive feedback and taking the time to explain difficult concepts in an easy-to-follow manner. Deeply dedicated to the subject matter, Mr. Leshner is recognized for his passion and insight and valued for his empathy, compassion and kindness.