Trent students, faculty and staff gathered in the Great Hall on April 7 to pay special tribute to the 2009/10 internal Teaching Award winners.

Offering his own words of congratulations to the winners, Dr. Steven E. Franklin, Trent’s president and vice-chancellor noted: “Teaching excellence is an essential part of the Trent identity and our University is seen as a leader in commitment to teaching and teaching innovation.”

During the reception, Dr. Franklin presented each of the four internal teaching winners with their award as Dr. Mark Parnis, dean of arts and science, told those in attendance about the glowing recommendations each of the winners received from students and colleagues.

Asked about their reaction to winning one of the 2009/10 internal teaching awards, the recipients had the following to say:

"I am honoured to receive the Symons Award and thankful to have truly exceptional students. This award is recognition of the quality of students here at Trent and the nature of the relationship between instructors and students, based on mutual respect and learning. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of this tradition of learning."
Dr. Paul Shaffer, Assistant Professor, Department of International Development Studies
Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching

“It's been a great privilege to teach, over the past three decades, within a university which values teaching, especially small group teaching, so highly. Trent students, along with my colleagues, have been a continual source of inspiration for thinking about new ways of engaging in interdisciplinary conversations about Canada and its changing place in the world. Teaching is our bridge to the future. It is one of the most important ways we have of communicating what inspires us to a new audience each year through a continual process of renewal. This award acknowledges the importance of that opportunity and commitment.”
Dr. James Struthers, Professor, Departments of Canadian Studies and History
Award for Educational Leadership & Innovation

“I'm privileged to be both a teacher and a student at Trent. As an MA student, my own Trent experience is made richer, and more worthwhile by the support, knowledge, and strength of my supervisor and the professors in my program. The teachers I have at Trent make me a better student; they set a model for how I want to teach. My goal is to help my students feel as supported and included in their own educations as I have been made to feel through the strength of my committee. I am honoured my students nominated me amongst all the worthy teaching assistants here at Trent.”
Yani Kong, M.A. Candidate, Theory, Culture and Politics graduate program
Excellence in Teaching Assistance Award

“Receiving a teaching award is a great honour. Teaching is not only about communicating research, it is about inspiring people and giving them the confidence and ability to pursue their own interests. Many of the students in our classes are just beginning to discover what their dreams are. It is, therefore, important to take teaching beyond the classroom, to provide students with the encouragement they need to find their own way in the world. That my students nominated me for this award means that I have accomplished my goal of communicating my passion for anthropology. But it also means that I have successfully stepped out from behind the podium and to give them the support and inspiration they need.”
Dr. Leigh Symonds, Adjunct Professor, Department of Anthropology
CUPE 3098-1 Award for Excellence in Part-time Teaching

For more information about the 2009/10 Teaching Award recipients and to learn more about teaching excellence at Trent, visit the website.