Dr. Christine Goodwin-De Faria, an assistant professor with the Child and Youth Studies program, has been recognized as Trent University Durham’s 2020/21 recipient of the OUSA Award for Teaching Excellence.

“Professor Goodwin-De Faria not only exposes her students to information from scholarly literature but also to knowledge gained through her professional experience in the field, connecting theoretical concepts to real-world experiences and situations,” said Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent Durham GTA. “Her nominators noted that she takes time to get to know and mentor her students and to ensure that they feel comfortable in class, confident in their ability to succeed, and motivated to complete their very best work.”

Recognized for her extraordinary concern for students’ well-being and development, Professor Goodwin-De Faria was celebrated at the University’s recent virtual Celebration of Teaching and Research Excellence. The sentiment was echoed by the executive of the Trent Durham Student Association (TDSA).

“The TDSA has been a part of OUSA for many years now, and we've always enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the campus in this way by honouring different professors each year,” explained Nathan Barnett, vice president of University Affairs with the TDSA. “This year, four students nominated Christine, and all of them highlighted not only her expertise and passion in the classroom, but the support she offers outside of it as well. Christine is a well-known and well-loved professor on the Durham campus, and this is not the first time her name has come up in discussion for this award, so we at TDSA are so happy to be able to honour her and her work this past year.”  

Prof. Goodwin-De Faria teaches a range of courses relating to social justice, child rights, policy and advocacy. With a  Ph.D. in Policy Studies, her academic, research and professional background focuses on the areas of youth justice and children’s rights, and specifically on the importance of prioritizing the voices of justice-involved youth. She is currently conducting research on the experiences of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the justice system.

“I love teaching and working with students and am extremely honoured to be receiving this award and recognition,” said Prof. Goodwin-De Faria. “I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the students at Trent Durham who consistently inspire me.”

The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, a provincial organization of which the TDSA is a part of, gives this award to recognize educators who excel at successfully engaging individuals in the learning experience. The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance annually presents its teaching awards to professors from each of its member campuses that have been selected by their students as examples of teaching excellence.