Recognized for her innovations in teaching, Dr. Cathy Bruce, a professor in Trent University’s School of Education and Professional Learning, has been named one of Ontario’s most outstanding university teachers by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA).

“Professor Bruce’s students, past and present, describe her teaching as ‘innovative’, ‘transformative’, and ‘inspirational,’” said Kate Lawson, president of OCUFA. “After reviewing her nomination and seeing her dedication to students, her use of technology to enhance learning, and her outstanding contributions to teaching practice, we absolutely agreed. Prof. Bruce is a natural choice for an OCUFA Teaching Award.”

Dr. Gary Boire, provost and vice-president academic at Trent, added: “Dr. Bruce is an outstanding academic citizen. She contributes to the institution as a whole through her service both inside and outside of the faculty association. She is a respected mentor to the large number of tenured and sessional faculty in the school. Her teaching has been exemplary as the accompanying materials attest. Her research has been picked up and developed into guidelines by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat of Ontario. Her students have benefited from her innovative and inventive modes of delivery (technology, group work, blended classes, etc.). In a word, Dr. Bruce is the genuine article, a teacher par excellence who most assuredly deserves the kind of recognition embodied in the OCUFA awards.”

Prof. Bruce has been studying teaching and learning for over 25 years. A professor at Trent since 2003, Dr. Bruce was previously an elementary school teacher for 14 years. She specializes in mathematics education, including the teaching and learning of algebra, spatial reasoning, and fractions.

“This award means a great deal to me,” said Prof. Bruce, who will be presented with the OCUFA Teaching Award at a September 28, 2013 ceremony in Toronto. “The teaching in Ontario, and particularly at Trent, is of such high quality that to be recognized with an award for teaching excellence truly is a great honour.”

With a deep interest in the improvement of teaching and learning, Prof. Bruce is well-known for incorporating learning technologies into her teaching - most notably, the use of interactive whiteboards, manipulatives, and iPads.

“In my teaching at Trent, I have always felt extremely supported in taking risks,” said Prof. Bruce. “The University has made innovative learning tools available to me and my students so that I can provide the best education possible to our future teachers and leaders.”

As part of her research and teaching at Trent, Prof. Bruce also leads the Trent Math Education Research Collaborative (TMERC), a team comprised of research assistants, teachers and consultants from both Public and Catholic school boards from across Ontario, Canada. Her work with the TMERC focuses on models of professional learning in math education such as: lesson study, pre-service education experiences, and collaborative action research. This includes explicit attention to building deep understanding of mathematics concepts and the integration of technology to facilitate student learning. One of the SSHRC studies underway involves using digital video with and for teachers in mathematics classrooms to support professional learning about precise mathematics content and related teaching. Further information on the TMERC is available at www.tmerc.ca  

Founded in 1964, OCUFA represents 17,000 faculty and academic librarians in 27 faculty associations across Ontario. It has been celebrating outstanding achievement in teaching and academic librarianship at Ontario universities since 1973. For more information, please visit the OCUFA website at http://www.ocufa.on.ca.  

Prof. Bruce is one of six recipients of the 2012/13 OCUFA Teaching Award. Previous Trent University winners include: Dr. Carolyn Kay, Department of History (2007); Dr. Susan Wurtele, Department of Geography (2006); Dr. David Page, Department of Ancient History and Classics (2005); Dr. David Poole, Department of Mathematics (2002); Dr. Sarah Keefer, Department of English Literature (2000); Dr. John Wadland, Department of Canadian Studies (1992); Dr. Iswar Chakravartty, Department of Mathematics (1991); Dr. Deryck Schreuder, Department of History (1975); and Dr. Stuart Robson, Department of History (1974).

Speaking of Trent’s newest OCUFA Teaching Award recipient, Dr. Steven Franklin, president and vice-chancellor of the University, said: “At Trent University we are committed to excellence and innovation in teaching. Prof. Bruce’s dedication to providing the best educational experience possible for her students exemplifies that commitment. On behalf of the entire Trent community I would like to congratulate Prof. Bruce on this important honour.”