Trent University is pleased to announce that Dr. David Poole, a professor in the Department of Mathematics, has been awarded the 2009 Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS) Excellence in Teaching Award.

“This is a tremendous honour, especially since it comes from my peers in the mathematical community,” Professor Poole said in response to winning the award. “There are a great many excellent teachers of mathematics at the post-secondary level in Canada; I am flattered to be considered among them.”

The award, which recognizes sustained and distinguished contributions in teaching at the post-secondary undergraduate level at a Canadian institution, will be presented to Prof. Poole at the Society's 2009 Summer Meeting in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

"David’s success as a teacher reflects his love of teaching, as does the fact that he did not take a teaching reduction while he was chair of our Department from 1996 to 2001. He is an exemplary academic citizen: diligent, inclusive, keen, sanguine, serious and modest”, said Prof. Poole’s nominator, Dr. Reem Yassawi, chair of the Mathematics Department at Trent.

Described by his students as a gifted mathematician whose love and passion for the subject shine through all of his interactions with his classes, Prof. Poole is a multi-talented professional who works diligently and with considerable creativity and notable success to enrich the lives of his students. His depth of knowledge allows him great flexibility in the range of examples and applications that he brings to the teaching of almost any mathematical concept.

“David is a gifted teacher, both inside the classroom and out, who truly cares about his students. His teaching is the model on which I try to base my own. He has been a strong and positive influence on the lives of students at Trent for many years, and his influence has now been extended to many more students through his text book”, said Joy Morris, a former student of Prof. Poole’s and an associate professor at the University of Lethbridge.

To teach mathematics, Prof. Poole relies on innovative approaches - group activities, videos, hands-on investigation - that ignite his students' curiosity and make math accessible and enjoyable. Solidifying his reputation as a leader in mathematical teachings, Prof. Poole is the author of Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction – a textbook used at more than 80 universities and colleges worldwide.

Prof. Poole has been a mathematics professor at Trent University since1984, and was chair of the Mathematics Department from 1996-2002. From 2002–2007, he was associate dean of arts and science (teaching and learning). He is also a recipient of several prestigious teaching awards, including the prestigious 3M Teaching Fellowship, a Leadership in Faculty Teaching Award, the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) Teaching Award and Trent’s Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching.

To read more about Prof. Poole and other award-winning teachers at Trent, visit the Teaching Excellence website.   

Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2009.