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Faculty Recognized with 4 Celebrate Teaching! Awards

Headshot-style photo of Jennifer Robb.

Jennifer Robb
Program Assistant, Faculty of Education

March 23, 2023

 

In the field of education, exceptional teaching and innovative practices deserve recognition. We know how amazing our faculty and staff are - we see them in action every day! However, the Teaching and Learning Centre at Ontario Tech recently honoured four outstanding faculty members at this year's Celebrate Teaching! award ceremony. These educators have not only demonstrated excellence in their respective fields, but have also made significant contributions to the broader education community. 

Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Wendy BarberHeadshot-style photograph of Dr. Wendy Barber, Faculty of Education.
  • The Award for Excellence in Teaching goes to a faculty member who demonstrates superior achievements in teaching, as well as educational innovation, research, and leadership.

Dr. Wendy Barber received the Award for Excellence in Teaching for her exceptional dedication to creating vibrant online learning communities for graduate students. Moreover, her innovative use of open-access video analysis tools to teach fundamental movement skills in Health and Physical Education sets a new standard for empowering both teacher candidates and in-service teachers to guide students in performing effective self- and peer-assessment. Congratulations, Wendy! 

Learning Reimagined Award: Dr. Alison MannHeadshot-style photograph of Dr. Alison Mann.
  • The Learning Reimagined Award is given to a faculty member who demonstrates unique and original solutions to problems of practice in their classes.

Dr. Alison Mann was recognized with the Learning Reimagined Award for her forward-thinking approach to education during challenging times. Faced with a rapidly changing educational landscape due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Mann rose to  the occasion by developing and producing a series of dynamic lecture videos. These videos not only provided much-needed flexibility for students, but also incorporated evidence-based practices and tools to enhance student-instructor and student-student interaction and feedback. Congratulations, Alison! 

Openness in Education Award: Dr. Ami MamoloHeadshot-style photograph of Dr. Ami Mamolo.
  • The Openness in Education Award goes to those in the Ontario Tech community who follow the CARE Open Education Framework and contribute, attribute, release, and empower the use of open educational practices throughout our campuses and beyond.

Dr. Ami Mamolo's dedication to Open Education practices was recognized as nothing short of remarkable. Her successful eCampus Ontario grant applications and interdisciplinary collaborations have led to the creation of valuable Open Educational Resources (OERs) for post-secondary instructors and graduate students. Her commitment to sharing knowledge through open practices aligns perfectly with the CARE Open Education Framework, and her work extends far beyond our campus to benefit the wider educational community. Congratulations, Ami! 

Tim McTiernan Student Mentorship Award: Dr. Robyn Ruttenberg-RozenHeadshot-style photograph of Dr. Robyn Ruttenberg-Rozen.
  • The Tim McTiernan Student Mentorship Award goes to an individual who demonstrates a passion for supporting student success, an ability to inspire growth, and an outstanding commitment to promoting the values of the university.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of Dr. Robyn Ruttenberg-Rozen's mentoring philosophy. Her passion for supporting student success is evident in her multi-disciplinary approach and her dedication to understanding each student's unique journey. Dr. Ruttenberg-Rozen's ability to inspire growth through a holistic approach to teaching and learning makes her a true beacon of mentorship. Congratulations, Robyn! 

As we celebrate our instructors' well-deserved recognition, we also acknowledge the profound impact they have on shaping the future of education. Their work exemplifies the commitment of Ontario Tech's Faculty of Education to push the boundaries of what is possible in teaching and learning in order to provide a world-class learning experience. Congratulations to Dr. Wendy Barber, Dr. Alison Mann, Dr. Ami Mamolo, and Dr. Robyn Ruttenberg-Rozen on their remarkable achievements! 

We would also like to thank anyone who submitted or supported a Celebrate Teaching! award nomination for one of our instructors, graduate student mentors, or teaching assistants. Our faculty and staff are committed to your success, and your nominations serve as compelling evidence that the care they put into their teaching and mentorship has had an impact!