Five exceptional educators honoured with the Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching
Convocation is a time to recognize and celebrate the hard work and success of our graduates. However, they couldn't have reached this important milestone without the support of their instructors. This year, we celebrate five educators and their commitment to helping our students succeed.
"This award allows us to recognize faculty for going above and beyond to support our students and prepare them for the next step in their career journey," says Dr. Anne Neufeld, provost and vice-president, Academic.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is proud of our entire faculty and their commitment to their roles as educators and mentors. Through the Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching we have the opportunity to acknowledge those who truly demonstrate excellence in teaching. This year's recipients are:
Doug Sinclair
Business Mathematics & Electrical Engineering Technology Math instructor (Moose Jaw)
Doug has been teaching with the institution since 1981 and is known to remark that "it's a privilege to instruct our students." Every year, his students praise him for his support, professionalism and commitment to providing an incredible learning experience. He treats each student with respect and makes himself available to offer guidance or advice whenever needed. Doug creates a welcoming classroom by engaging students with his natural passion for teaching. He makes learning mathematics enjoyable for many by approaching lessons from an every-day and applied perspective.
Lance Wall
Bioscience Technology instructor (Saskatoon)
After 10 years of teaching at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Lance still brings an amazing amount of enthusiasm for the profession into the classroom. His own work experience in bioscience industry labs allows him to provide his students with a unique perspective and vital connections as they work towards their career goals. He is dedicated to his work and has advanced the applied research portfolio within the BioScience Technology Program, while giving students hands-on learning opportunities. He is an exceptional program ambassador, representing Saskatchewan Polytechnic at provincial career fairs and participating in community events and associations such as the Canadian Aboriginal Science and Technology Society.
Lucie Clark
Chemical Technology instructor (Saskatoon)
As a faculty member for more than 25 years, Lucie has made a number of significant contributions to the Chemical Technology program. Lucie brings the real-world into the classroom and collaborates with partners to develop programming for students that feature applied research projects and create enhanced learning opportunities. Best known for providing a supportive learning environment, Lucie encourages student success, going the extra mile to help struggling students when they need it most. She expects her students to do the best they can and celebrates their accomplishments, big and small.
Sheri McCrystal
Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing instructor (Saskatoon)
Sheri creates a positive learning environment that is rooted in mutual respect and approaches teaching with empathy and compassion. She maintains high expectations for her students, but provides the support they need to meet them. Sheri takes time to get to know her students to ensure she can help them find the strategies they need for success. Always looking for new ways to improve the Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Sheri regularly contributes new lesson ideas and practical solutions to challenges encountered along the way. She encourages and inspires collaboration, innovation and continual improvement from her colleagues. Sheri encourages everyone around her to develop a lifelong curiosity and to enjoy every learning opportunity.
Twana White
Practical Nursing instructor (Regina)
After more than 20 years working as a registered nurse, Twana began her career with Saskatchewan Polytechnic eight years ago. Using a student-centred approach to foster success and inspire innovation, she pushes for critical thinking and encourages students to approach their studies and careers with professionalism and a sense of collaboration. She puts students' needs first and works hard to nurture positive relationships. When it comes to teaching, Twana likes to get creative and is known for creating animated videos, developing kinesthetic activities to demonstrate ideas and for role playing to teach concepts of care. She empowers students to take pride in their work and support one another throughout their time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Congratulations to this year's Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching recipients. We are extremely fortunate to have faculty that are not only experts in their fields, but also leaders in education. Thank you for all you do for our students and intuition.
Faculty Award for Excellence: Teaching recipients received a framed medal, funding towards professional development and recognition at their campus convocation. They are invited to participate in the Provost Excellence in Teaching sessions hosted by the Instructional and Leadership Development Centre next fall.