More Arts members recognized for teaching excellence

Dr. Chad Wriglesworth is a Tenured Associate Professor in the English Department at St. Jerome's University and the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Arts. Teaching at Waterloo since 2011, Chad has consistently showcased outstanding teaching abilities and a deep commitment to his students.

His commitment to fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of English literature is well recognized by others. As one student noted: "I wish I had more chances to learn from Chad, and since taking his classes I've recommended every student I can seek him out as a professor and enroll in his classes. He truly embodies what a great professor can be."

A colleague has even described Chad as having "an exceptional ability to inspire engagement with and interest in the course material. His enthusiasm for the work is infectious."

Chad is celebrated for his exceptional mentorship and support. A student describes Chad's long lasting impact: "I would not be considering graduate school and a future in academia without his valuable encouragement." 

Chad also received the 2024 Arts Award for Excellence in Teaching.

This year's Distinguished Teacher Award committee is presenting Dr. Katy Fulfer with an Honourable Mention in recognition of her extraordinary courage and care in the face of targeted classroom violence that occurred in June 2023. Her nomination package notes, "the extent to which [Dr. Fulfer] protected and supported her students during and after the incident," taking the brunt of the violence and allowing all but two students to escape without physical harm. As soon as she possibly could, she worked with her department and the University to find ways to help students who wanted to continue with the course, who needed support, and/or who otherwise wanted to connect with her.

The committee wants to acknowledge that Katy went above and beyond the call of duty to protect her students. That Dr. Fulfer did so reflects not just her courage on the day but also her longstanding commitment to, and prioritization of, the interests of her students. 

Although she did not receive a DTA this year, Katy's nomination dossier demonstrated a record of teaching accomplishments that embodies the spirit of this award, through intentional and ongoing commitment to her students and through her equity-centred, inclusive pedagogical approach throughout her teaching career to date.

PhD student Serena McDiarmid is an outstanding educator in the Faculty of Arts. One student attributed the high level of engagement in her classes to the inclusive environment she fosters, stating that it "allowed for the overwhelming level of participation and questions asked in class."

Another student appreciated Serena's interactive teaching methods: "Her commitment to communicating course information in an interactive manner ensures students are attentive and remember those concepts."

Serena's early adoption of Universal Design principles and her steadfast support for fellow instructors in course development have earned her widespread praise from her peers. A faculty member highlighted Serena's reflective and evolving teaching practices: "Serena continually engages in deep reflection and revision of her teaching methods."