Looking back on 10 years of University of Calgary Teaching Awards

Education shapes us and makes us who we are. But how do we, in turn, shape teaching and learning and create positive change for post-secondary education?

Over the past 10 years, the University of Calgary Teaching Awards has celebrated the teaching excellence of educators in diverse roles across our campuses. I asked 14 past recipients about the impact of receiving a Teaching Award — personally and professionally. Each of these outstanding educators demonstrates excellence, dedication, innovation and leadership in teaching and learning at UCalgary and beyond.

*Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Melissa Boyce

Faculty of Arts
Award for Educational Leadership (Group), 2020, with Kim Johnston, Robyn Paul, and Destiny Dedemus
Award for Curriculum Development, 2020, with Andrew Szeto

Then: Senior instructor and director of undergraduate studies, Department of Psychology
Now: Associate dean (academic), Faculty of Arts and professor (teaching), Department of Psychology

Q: One thing you've learned?
A: We created these initiatives to benefit students. But what has been most inspiring by being part of these initiatives is to learn all the incredible ways that students use their learning to benefit others beyond themselves, including their peers, across campus, and within the community. 

Q: What the award means to you? 
A: The biggest reward is witnessing the positive impacts that these initiatives have on students but having our work appreciated and recognized by the university is also an honour!

Gregory Tweedie

Werklund School of Education
Award for Teaching in Online Environments, 2020

Then: Associate professor, language & literacy, Werklund School of Education
Now: Associate professor, Centre for Teaching & Learning, University of Calgary in Qatar 

Q: One thing you've learned? 
A: Although we may be slow to admit it, practices for assessment of learning will have to change. Technological advances have irreversibly altered the assessment landscape, particularly in higher education — ready or not. 

Q: What the award means to you? 
A: I'm especially grateful, because the Teaching Award has allowed me a seat at the table when discussing matters of teaching, learning and assessment.

Jean-Yin Tan

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM)
Award for Educational Leadership (Individual, Informal), 2021

Then: Senior instructor and co-chair of the clinical skills program at UCVM
Now: Associate professor of teaching and chair of the clinical skills program at UCVM

Q: One thing you've learned?
A: One of my most significant learnings has been the importance of engaging in the scholarship of teaching and learning, using pedagogical research to assess and improve teaching innovations. Since receiving the award, I have completed, published, and continue to speak on and share my findings from an interdisciplinary research project that systematically evaluated the equine service-learning program. My collaboration with Drs. Yvonne Poitras-Pratt and Patricia Danyluk, along with ongoing relationship-building with Indigenous community members and my commitment to critical service-learning, has led to significant improvements in the program.

Q: What the award means to you?
A: Being part of a community of teaching scholars through the Teaching Academy has been an enriching experience, allowing me to collaborate with and learn from award winners across various faculties. It's also given me the opportunity to contribute to the broader University of Calgary community by sharing our work and insights.

Pamela Roach

Cumming School of Medicine
Award for Indigenous Ways of Knowing (Individual), 2022

Then: Assistant professor in the departments of Family Medicine and also Community Health Sciences (cross appointed) and was also director, Indigenous health education in the Indigenous Local and Global Health Office
Now: Associate professor in the departments of Family Medicine and Community Health Sciences (cross appointed) as well as research director Indigenous engagement in the VPR office and also deputy scientific director of the O’Brien Institute for Public Health 

Q: One thing you've learned?
A: There are always new ways to innovate and improve. Since my award I have completed a teaching excellence program in faculty development in the med school and also Indigenous leadership training at the Banff Centre. I think there are always things we can learn and improve on and we can learn as much from the students as they learn from us.

Q: What the award means to you?
A: I can hardly put into words what it meant to receive this award. I did my undergraduate degree here (BSc 2003) and to now contribute to the university I graduated from — as an educator, myself — is an incredible feeling. Lifelong learning is something that is key to continual growth and to be able to support that for others is deeply meaningful.

Patrina Duhaney and Regine King

Faculty of Social Work
Award for Team Teaching, 2022

Then:
PD: Assistant professor
RK: Associate professor

Now:
PD: Associate professor, and transdisciplinary co-lead: Democracy, Justice and Sustainability
RK: Associate professor and research excellence chair-holder in racial justice

Q: One thing you've learned?
A: PD: Since receiving the University of Calgary Teaching Award, I have learned that teaching pedagogy is a continually evolving practice. I remain open to continuous learning and actively seek opportunities that can enrich my teaching methods. This ongoing process not only enhances my own teaching practices but also allows me to share valuable knowledge and innovative strategies with my colleagues and students.

A: RK: I have received many invitations to speak about the processes myself and Dr. Duhaney applied to co-design and co-teach the Africentric Perspectives in Social Work course. This shows interest either in the subject of teaching courses on marginalized knowledges or the process of team teaching.

Q: What the award means to you?
A: PD: It's an incredible honour. I feel humbled and grateful for the recognition. This award has underscored the importance of team teaching and the value of collaboration in fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment. It has also highlighted my role within a vibrant community dedicated to enhancing the educational experience by providing opportunities for growth and support to both new and seasoned instructors.

A: RK: It meant a lot to me personally as I felt seen and acknowledged. It also contributed to the recognition of my scholarship and critical pedagogical approaches, both of which are good for my promotion. It is a motivation for continued search for best and appropriate teaching approaches and creativity.

Catherine Heggerud

Haskayne School of Business
Award for Work-Integrated Learning, 2021

Then: Assistant professor (teaching)
Now: Associate professor (teaching) & associate dean (undergraduate programs)

Q: One thing you've learned?
A: Teachers create opportunities for learning and practice but we need to keep doing the same. My learning needs to keep evolving. In my current role, I am heavily involved in our co-op program — which is supersized WIL — and I need to keep evolving how I engage with students to prepare them for professional lives

Q: What the award means to you?
A: It reinforced that I am doing something I love that makes the world a better place. I was brought to tears by the letters of support from students and I was welcomed into a community of like-minded peers.