Recipients of the 2021 Distinguished Teacher Awards announced!

The recipients of the 2021 Distinguished Teacher Awards have been announced!

Since its inception in 1975, over 150 Distinguished Teacher Awards (DTAs) have been awarded to exemplary instructors at the University of Waterloo. The DTA is awarded to four instructors annually at the March meeting of Senate.

Robin Duncan, Kinesiology

Robin Duncan, an Associate Professor from the Faculty of Health, puts her students at the centre of her teaching, and has a sustained record of teaching excellence in the Kinesiology courses that she teaches. Dr. Duncan not only has a commitment to personal involvement and outstanding effort on behalf of her students, but she also has a commitment to innovation and deep learning, which is evident in her efforts to employ experiential exercises that encourage students to reflect on current issues. Using a student-centered approach and a variety of teaching techniques, Duncan also ensures that she addresses a true diversity of learners. One past student notes that, “by allowing students to work through tasks such as creating mini-review papers, and peer evaluations, Dr. Duncan not only taught students to write effectively, but also critique and proof read effectively as well.” Colleagues say that Dr. Duncan’s direct efforts to ensure her students have the best possible academic training, including effective communication, is a key element of ensuring that Kinesiology graduates can make the most of their future opportunities. Students praise Dr. Duncan’s successful transition to remote teaching, and her dedication to responding to student questions. It is clear that Dr. Duncan has a strong commitment to those she teaches and supports her students through their many endeavors both inside and outside the classroom.

Igor Ivkovic, Systems Design Engineering

Igor Ivkovic was a Lecturer and the Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Systems Design Engineering. He was greatly admired by students and colleagues for his consistent enthusiasm and genuine passion for teaching. Igor’s lasting impact on his students has been profound; he tirelessly created the best learning environment and experience for all his learners. In nominating Igor for this award, students highlight his “Igor CARES™ approach,” which outlined his goals and commitment as a course instructor and mentor: Clear and interactive lectures, Approachable and helpful, Resources and materials for studying and practice, Engaging application of theory in practical scenarios, and Student success inside and outside the classroom. Ivkovic had a strong history of excellent teaching at the University of Waterloo. As one student notes, “Dr. Ivkovic’s kindness and passion for teaching remains unmatched. This was very evident during the sudden transition from in-person to online teaching.” Students agree that Igor’s boundless positivity and passion for teaching was always evident, whether it was greeting every student by name, always making himself available for his students, or emailing first year students to help with their transition to university. Igor’s empathy was at the forefront of his teaching.

Suzanne Kearns, Geography and Environmental Management

Suzanne Kearns, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, is commonly described as a catalyst of success for University of Waterloo’s aviation students. She consistently finds ways to bring students engaging and interactive learning material, and develops her courses in a way that challenges students to grasp concepts on a deep level, ensuring useful knowledge is carried forward with them into their careers. One student notes, “Dr. Kearns always strived to provide us with the best knowledge and learning environment, challenging us academically, while empathetically supporting us in our passions and pursuits.” Dr. Kearns encourages leadership in her students, and over the past two year has led efforts to create the Waterloo Aviation Research Cluster. She has also fostered a community of aviation students by helping to create the UW Aviation Society. Dr. Kearns’ colleagues praise her dedication to student supervision, noting that she not only provides academic guidance to students but also strongly supports their career goals. Industry colleagues also praise her work, which “has not only had an impact beyond the classroom, it has had an impact around the world,” including extensive work with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations and the source of international aviation safety standards and policy. Dr Kearns has shown a deep passion for the aviation industry, and ensures that this passion translates into education for her students.

Dan Wolczuk, Dean of Mathematics Office

Professor Dan Wolczuk from the Faculty of Mathematics is well known at the University of Waterloo for the boundless energy that he brings to his teaching. His dedication to teaching shines through both inside and outside of the classroom. A former student writes, “he has an unsurpassed commitment to teaching not just the material of his courses but study habits and life-skills that promote life-long learning in his students.” Other students note that Wolczuk’s enthusiasm is unparalleled, and that the palpable excitement he exudes when teaching is infectious. Colleagues say that Wolczuk delves deep into learning how to teach effectively, as he is always analyzing the effectiveness of teaching methods and student performance to ensure the best learning experience for students. Notably, one of his main focuses in his lecture series is the merit of a growth mindset. Dan continuously reminds his students that the main limitations they have with respect to their own learning are those that they set for themselves. Professor Dan Wolczuk was awarded Instructor of the Year from the UWaterloo Mathematics Student Society and the Distinction in Teaching award from the Mathematics Faculty in 2013. Many believe that Wolzuck’s success has been based around his enormous capacity for compassion and empathy, which he extends to everyone with whom he works.