U of T shines a spotlight on exceptional educators at Excellence in Teaching reception

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 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.”

Alison Olechowski

Associate professor – department of mechanical and industrial engineering and Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Engineering and Practice (ISTEP), Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award

“I’m very proud to receive this recognition for my teaching – I believe that teaching is a major channel through which I can have impact in my career, and so I strive to do it well. In my teaching I aim to bring the course content to life, so that my students can understand why they’re learning what they’re learning, and how it connects to the real world and their futures.”

Jasty Singh

Associate professor, teaching stream – department of immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award

“My approach to teaching is heavily influenced by my own experiences as an undergraduate student, and subsequently a graduate student and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto. I’ve always believed that learning happens everywhere – not just in the classroom. My goal is to create inclusive and engaging learning atmospheres that foster personal connections, encourage interdisciplinary exploration and promote ongoing intellectual curiosity.

“Receiving this recognition was both an exciting and a deeply validating experience for me – I see it as a reflection of the collaborative efforts of our administrative and teaching support staff, teaching assistants, colleagues and students in the department of immunology.”

Roberta K. Timothy

Assistant professor, teaching stream – Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award

“I am extremely moved and honoured to be recognized for my teaching, particularly for the work I have dedicated my life to – intersectional, decolonizing, anti-racist, anti-oppression praxis, focusing on Black health and intentionally marginalized populations. 

“I believe that teaching is one of the most powerful mechanisms to create critical social justice learning and unlearning through creative and actionable change. My teaching is influenced by my over 30 years in community health and activism. It is ancestrally anointed and community led. My hope is that the next generations can continue to create systems and practices that provide healing and wellness for African/Black populations, and that public health can work in solidarity with empathy and deep respect for our health issues and outcomes.”

S. Trimble

Assistant professor, teaching stream – Women & Gender Studies Institute, Faculty of Arts & Science

Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award

“As a teacher I always try to meet students where they are and unlock new ways of connecting with them. To do this, I’ve had to learn to be more vulnerable and playful in and beyond the classroom. This award is a welcome affirmation of my belief that play, creativity and community building are crucial components of teaching excellence.”

Phani Radhakrishnan

Associate professor, teaching stream – department of management, U of T Scarborough

Global Educator Award

“I did not expect in my humblest dreams to receive the Global Educator Award from U of T. I grew up in Hyderabad, India, a big city that instills openness to different cultures. I encourage my domestic and international students at the University of Toronto to be open-minded when doing business in a multi-cultural environment. My goal is to instill a global and sustainable mindset in my students.”