Laurier celebrates community of student teachers with awards of excellence

April 9, 2020
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University is recognizing three outstanding student teachers with the university’s Student Teaching Award of Excellence. The awards program honours Laurier undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students who positively impact the academic experience and development of other students in their roles as teachers, mentors and leaders.

“Reflecting on the rapid changes in teaching and learning environments during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded that educators do make a significant difference in students’ lives,” said Kristiina Montero, Laurier’s associate vice-president of Teaching and Learning. “We celebrate the contributions of these exceptionally deserving awardees alongside all peer mentors, teaching and instructional assistants, and student leaders. Laurier’s highly regarded community of educators is dedicated to supporting and inspiring student success.”

Recipients of the 2020 Laurier Student Teaching Award of Excellence include:

Undergraduate category: Beth Kannath, Lazaridis School of Business and Economics

Kannath, who will graduate from Laurier in the spring, has supported teaching excellence as a student teaching development facilitator and provided online course development support for Laurier’s eLearning department.

“I am truly honoured and grateful for this award,” said Kannath. “I believe teaching is a collective effort so I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of my mentors, as well as the student teaching development team for the opportunity to make a difference and give back to a community that has given me so much.”

Master’s category: Lindsey Feltis, Department of Psychology

Feltis successfully defended her master’s thesis remotely in March. She has worked as a teaching assistant, a mentor and co-supervisor to undergraduate researchers, and a campus ambassador coordinator.

“I know firsthand the difference that someone who approaches teaching with compassion, empathy and a focus on growth can make,” said Feltis. “In every teaching role, I have done my best to emulate those who had a positive impact on me. I'm honoured to receive this award and incredibly grateful.”

Doctoral category: Jennifer Marshman, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

Marshman is a PhD candidate and course instructor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. She provides student mentorship and leadership for Laurier’s community pollinator programming.

“I am thrilled to receive this award, and humbled in light of the unique and unprecedented challenges I know all student teachers are faced with during the COVID 19 pandemic,” said Marshman. “I'm proud to be part of a teaching community that prioritizes collaboration, inclusivity, and the well-being of students as necessary components of successful teaching and learning."