GA/TA Award for Educational Leadership
Recognizes and honours exemplary GAs and TAs who organize, create or otherwise lead initiatives for pedagogical information-sharing, skill-development, or pedagogical innovation, among GA/TAs at the departmental, faculty, or institutional level.
Ailin Barzegar, Department of Mechanical Engineering
"Winning the GATA Award is a great honor and a significant milestone in my academic journey. This recognition not only highlights my efforts but also reflects the invaluable support and mentorship I have received from the Faculty of Engineering, and the Centre for Teaching and Learning."
Quote from Ailin's Nomination Package: "Ailin's dedication to educational excellence extends beyond her academic achievements to her role as a facilitator and leader within our department. She has played a pivotal role in organizing and leading workshops, seminars, and discussion groups focused on pedagogical best practices, aimed specifically at enhancing the abilities of GAs/TAs."
Samantha Monk, Department of Kinesiology
"Receiving the GA/TA Award for Educational Leadership is a deeply rewarding milestone in my journey as both a student and educator. This award is special to me because it represents both my dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences, as well as the inspiration and lessons I’ve drawn from students and colleagues over the years. It’s an incredible honour to have my passion for teaching and mentorship recognized in this way. I’m grateful and more motivated than ever to continue growing and making a difference in education."
Quote from her Samantha's Package: "I have seen Sam evolve from a sharp, curious undergraduate to an even sharper, confident Doctoral student. She has actively sought opportunities to develop her teaching skills and gain experience while balancing other aspects of her academic and personal life, excelling on all fronts."
GA/TA Award for Educational Practice
Recognizes and honours exemplary GAs and TAs who contribute to a positive, learning-centred environment at the University, and incorporate practical, transferable skill development into learning experiences.
Chloe Brescia, School of Dramatic Art
"It feels extremely gratifying to have been selected as one of the award recipients for 2024. I am so lucky to have been nominated by Dr. Michelle MacArthur and to have had the support of my fabulous students and mentees throughout the nomination process. I am so proud of the teaching and learning that I have experienced at the School of Dramatic Art and am eager to apply the skills I have gained as I embark on the beginning of my career as an educator."
Quote from Chloe's Nomination Package: "I see a few key values informing Chloe's expansive pedagogical toolkit, chief among them her implicit understanding that knowledge is co-created and shared. She creates an environment that encourages students to explore the material together and develop new insights that deepen their learning." ~ Nomination Package
Ashley Watt, Department of Integrative Biology
Quote from her Ashley's Nomination Package: "Many of the students who have had Ashley as a GA have reached out to me to pay her compliments and wished that all of their GAs were as helpful as she was and as knowledgeable about pedagogy."