The Superior Teaching Awards recognize some of the Faculty of Arts & Science’s most exceptional sessional lecturers and graduate student course instructors for their contributions to undergraduate education. David Cameron, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, presented the awards on April 24.
Congratulations to this year's recipients:
Siobhan O'Flynn, Sessional Instructor, Canadian Studies, University College
Siobhan O'Flynn's students have remarked on her exceptional ability to push beyond the walls of the classroom and prepare them for life and work beyond the university. She applies her extensive expertise in digital humanities and web-based storytelling to engage her students in topics like pluralism, citizenship and urban studies in a Canadian context. Her students have conducted interactive coding, geo-locative mapping and gaming projects, focusing on specific communities and neighbourhoods in Toronto. They have analyzed bike lanes on Bloor Street, taken field trips to Toronto City Council meetings, and developed a widely-heralded smartphone app about the history of Kensington market. In the words of one of her students Dr. O'Flynn is “approachable, inspirational, professional, engaging, responsive and provides excellent direction. She is the best instructor I’ve had at U of T."
Emily Paradis, Sessional Instructor, Urban Studies Program, Innis College
Emily Paradis's passion for — and breadth of experience — in all aspects of urban studies, both practical and theoretical, is reflected in the meticulous work and thoughtfulness she puts into her course design. Paradis has developed resources, teaching methods, and community partnerships that facilitate not only her students’ education, but also their successful transition from university to working in social and community services. One of her nominators said: “Dr. Paradis challenges students to synthesize their learning and practice in a way that not only engages them and provides them with rewarding learning experiences, but also truly inspires them.” Paradis is setting a stellar example to her students and colleagues of the ways in which academia can partner with communities for the benefit of both.
Arturo Victoriano-Martínez, Sessional Instructor, Caribbean Studies Program, New College
Arturo Victoriano-Martínez provides his students with a rich and diverse experience of contemporary Caribbean studies. His carefully designed courses incorporate a wide variety of methodologies, time periods and media, while including important contexts such as current events and ongoing historical debates. In addition to his enthusiastic and inspiring teaching, Victoriano-Martínez is also dedicated to promoting New College resources to his students, fine-tuning ongoing curriculum revision, and creating an engaging and welcoming classroom atmosphere that encourages student participation. In particular, two student comments about Victoriano-Martínez stand out: One student said: “Dr. Victoriano-Martínez is a true storyteller who injects human truisms and great anecdotes into his lectures, which helps us understand the work.” Another student said: “I had at least one ‘aha!’ moment in every single lecture.” It’s no surprise then that his course evaluations are stellar.
Barnabas Kirk, Graduate Student Course Instructor, Slavic Languages and Literatures
Barnabas Kirk was honoured for teaching a first-year “Elementary Russian” course. Kirk is known for his attentiveness, flexibility, clarity and creation of an encouraging and friendly classroom atmosphere. His students say he makes the road to learning a new language less daunting and more fun. He introduces students to elementary Russian by presenting examples from popular culture and engaging them with in-class games like Jeopardy and Bingo. His students have described his teaching as “brilliant” and “outstanding,” and many have remarked on their newfound, unexpected appreciation for learning a language. One student wrote: “He really changed my way of looking at the world and opened my eyes to an entire culture of which I was woefully ignorant. It’s thanks to him I’ve developed a skill of immeasurable value. I believe teaching is truly his calling.”
Simon Lambek, Graduate Student Course Instructor, Department of Political Science
Simon Lambek was honoured for his work teaching “Topics in Political Theory,” a course he designed which students say significantly deepened their understanding of — and enthusiasm for — the topic. Lambek has a remarkable ability to create a lively classroom atmosphere and make topics relevant and accessible. He also has a keen eye for political and cultural examples that make the connection between political theory and his students’ everyday lives. His students describe him as stimulating, engaging, respectful, encouraging, extremely knowledgeable and everlastingly patient. Not to mention always helpful, passionate and an excellent mentor.