Going above and beyond for their students are similar qualities noted about an Waterloo Engineering faculty member and a doctoral student who have both been recognized for exceptional teaching in the classroom.
Wayne Chang, a lecturer for the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business was one of four University of Waterloo faculty members to be recognized for excellence in teaching with the University’s most prestigious teaching honour - the Distinguished Teacher Award.
Amanda Garcia, a systems design engineering doctoral candidate, was one of three student teachers campus-wide to be honoured with the 2018 Amit and Meena Chakma Awards for Exceptional Teaching by a Student.
Outstanding influence, practical approach
As the Enterprise Co-op Program Coordinator, Chang has had an outstanding influence on the students he teaches.
An undergraduate student commented that “his practical approach and his ideas of process over product allowed for a course that I won’t forget after the exam.”
Chang has supported several students through the Enterprise Co-op Program who have gone on to become CEOs of their own companies.
One of the students noted that “Wayne's mentorship and guidance does not end when the semester does. He continues to have one of the most genuine interests in his student’s lives that I have ever seen.”
Chang was also recognized by students for his human qualities that go “beyond his wealth of technical know-how and teaching excellence.”
One alumnus recounted “countless late nights engaging in valuable discussion” with Chang and acknowledged that he “repeatedly placed his reputation on the line” to guide his students to success.
Chang was honoured for teaching excellence from the Dean of Engineering and received the Outstanding Performance Award in 2014.
Extremely patient and understanding
Students and faculty members recognized Garcia as an approachable, knowledgeable, and dedicated instructor. As one student remarked that “it was very clear that she wanted the students to succeed as she went above and
Another undergraduate student commented on her flexibility as an instructor, saying she “was a great instructor because she was constantly willing to receive feedback and alter the way she was teaching the course for the better understanding of the students.”
Garcia has also been described by faculty members as “extremely patient and understanding with students.”
In 2017, she was the recipient of the University of Waterloo Certificate in University Teaching Award.
Both Garcia and Chang will be recognized with teaching citations at June’s convocation ceremony.