At the University of Toronto, teaching is about much more than just imparting knowledge – it’s an engaging, dynamic and creative process that expands and enriches the way students think, preparing them for future success in academics and their careers.
The recent Excellence in Teaching reception hosted by U of T’s Office of the Provost recognized the fundamental importance of teaching to the university’s mission. In particular, it honoured five faculty members who received Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Awards, which were recently renamed in honour of Cheryl Regehr – Young’s predecessor as vice-president and provost, a professor in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and a longtime champion of teaching excellence and innovation at U of T.
“These awards recognize burgeoning talent among our most junior faculty. We expect – and we know from experience – that these recipients will continue to lead and excel in teaching,” Trevor Young, U of T’s vice-president and provost said at the Nov. 4 event held at the Faculty Club.
The event also featured the presentation of the Global Educator Award, which recognizes a faculty member who exemplifies U of T’s global mission by incorporating intercultural and international perspectives.
“I’m extremely proud of U of T for many reasons,” Young said, “and one of them is what’s evident here today, which is the immense talent and experience of our faculty as well as their deep commitment to our university, to our students, to knowledge [and] to research. All that you’re doing is really incredible.”
U of T News spoke with all six award winners, including Spyridon Kotsovilis (Assistant professor, teaching stream), at UTM's department of political science, about their approach to educating students:
Spyridon Kotsovilis
Assistant professor, teaching stream – department of political science, U of T Mississauga
Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award
“I design and conduct my classes so that they engage, motivate and empower our students to connect and interact with the material and their peers in inclusive and respectful ways towards learning and achieving their academic goals.
“I feel honoured and humbled by the recognition; as teaching is a collective effort, it also belongs to all those who make it possible – from the administration, to the division, to my department and colleagues, to staff across different units, centres and libraries, to the campus maintenance personnel. Ultimately, this is about our students, and I would like to accept this award on behalf of them.”
(This is an edited version of the original article by Rahul Kalvapalle published on November 27, 2024)