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Focus on Teaching Conference

Celebrating faculty excellence

Excellence in teaching and engaging students in learning is both challenging and exciting. The Focus on Teaching Conference (FOTC) has traditionally provided a forum to:

  • celebrate the work of teachers in a fun, engaging and rewarding way;
  • dialogue with colleagues from across disciplines;
  • engage in informed and constructive conversations related to the complexities of teaching and learning; and
  • share strategies and insights that increase teaching and learning effectiveness.

On this page:

Centre for Teaching and Learning
Faculty Competency Framework
Focus on events

Celebrating our achievements

About the Focus on Teaching Conference

Now, more than ever, we want to recognize all the ways members of our Georgian community work together, create and share knowledge, and connect learning.

Each year, the Focus on Teaching Conference brings together our Georgian community to share practices, experiences and insights about learning and teaching. Faculty and students continue to work together to explore new learning and venture into amazing futures. Join us in sharing innovative ideas and developing new passions that re-invigorate our teaching practice and our lives. 

We’re excited to support and inspire our community of teachers and celebrate as we recognize all the ways we work together, create and share knowledge, and connect learning inside and outside the classroom.

Image of faculty in classroom

Focus on Teaching Conference 2025

On behalf of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, we are excited to announce Georgian College’s Focus on Teaching Conference is returning on April 30, 2025.

In times of uncertainty and change, connection and gratitude ground us. Being together reminds us of our shared purpose in education, the strength of our communities, and the opportunities we have to transform the future.

Given our present-day challenges, we can pull strength from our unity and our purpose. We all play a role in fostering and supporting student learning.

All are invited to join us for the Focus on Teaching Conference where we will gather to reflect, learn, and appreciate the work we all do, the people who inspire us, and the resilience that carries us forward.

We hope you’ll save the date, April 30, 2025. We look forward to coming together with gratitude for each other and for the important work we do.

Focus on Teaching Conference logo

Conference schedule

This year’s conference is offered in two streams: in-person and online. See the schedule below for more details.

  • Day: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
  • In-person— ABSC Space, 3rd floor, N Building, Barrie Campus
  • Online— Microsoft Teams (Join the Meeting)

Schedule

Time In-Person Stream Online Stream 
9:00 am Opportunity to settle in with refreshments 
 
Sponsored by: 
Advancement and Alumni Relations  
Financial Aid and Awards, Office of the Registrar 		Opportunity to settle in 
9:15 am Welcome to FOTC 
– Kevin W – Innovative Faculty  
– Yael K – Teaching Excellence 
– Mark I – With Gratitude   		Welcome to FOTC 
Kevin W – Innovative Faculty  
Yael K – Teaching Excellence 
Mark I – With Gratitude   
10:15 am Georgian (GED) Talks 
Angela B – Booking Portal – How to request space at Georgian  
Jarrod O – Changemaking Pedagogy: Building thinking classrooms  
Courtney D & Justin Q – Understanding Students Through Data 
Tiffany M – Biini’angwaa Gijichaagominaanig: Cleansing Our Spirits  		Georgian (GED) Talks 
Angela B – Booking Portal – How to request space at Georgian  
Jarrod O – Changemaking Pedagogy: Building thinking classrooms  
Courtney D & Justin Q– Understanding Students Through Data 
Tiffany M – Biini’angwaa Gijichaagominaanig: Cleansing Our Spirits  
10:55 amBreakBreak
11:10 amGeorgian (GED) Talks 
Nene B & MacKenzie K – Five flourishing students: Supported through financial aid and awards  
Nicole C – The Power of Planning: Why Career Conversations Are Academic Game-Changers  
Andrea A & Hamid D – Big Ideas, Great Teaching, Real Funding: How R&I Supports Your Applied Research Goals 
Tracy MA & Samantha SS – Growing our excellence together 		Georgian (GED) Talks 
Nene B & MacKenzie K – Five flourishing students: Supported through financial aid and awards  
Nicole C – The Power of Planning: Why Career Conversations Are Academic Game-Changers  
Andrea A & Hamid D – Big Ideas, Great Teaching, Real Funding: How R&I Supports Your Applied Research Goals 
Tracy MA & Samantha SS – Growing our excellence together 
12:00 pm Lunch break (bring your own) Lunch break 
1:00 pm In-person workshops  
The Power of Community: Resilience from the Immigrant’s Perspective (Daria T) 
Rooted in Heart: Practices of Wholeness (Emma G, Jill E, David L) 		Online workshop 
Designing for Balance: How Course Design Can Support Faculty Wellness (Amy G, Kim R, Anthony T)   
1:50 pmBreakBreak
2:05 pm In-person workshops 
Focus on Heart: Guided Listening Circle (Emma G, Jill E, Christi S, Debora OM) 
Immersive Technology & XR at Georgian – K108 (Rob T)   		Online workshop 
Focus on Heart: Guided Listening Circle (Tracy MA, Karina M) 
3:00 pm End of day End of day 

Sponsorships

  • Centre for Teaching and Learning 
  • Advancement and Alumni Relations  
  • Financial Aid and Awards, Office of the Registrar 

Georgian (GED) Talks

Booking Portal – How to request space at Georgian (Angela B) 

The Booking Portal is an online system that allows Georgian faculty to view and manage their space requests.  The Portal includes features like:  

• Permanently relocating my class 

• Booking a different room for an exam 

• Viewing if space is being used before and after my class 

• Request a space for a tutorial or open lab 

 Join us to see how the Portal can bring autonomy to booking space at Georgian.   

Changemaking Pedagogy: Building thinking classrooms (Jarrod O) 

Are you looking to energize student learning in your problem-solving classes?  Would you like to have your students taking a more active learning role in the class environment? We think that this Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) Initiative is for you!   

Understanding Students Through Data (Courtney D & Justin Q) 

Institutional Research and Strategic Insights (IRSI) provides dashboards and data that offer valuable insights into student feedback and success. 

Biini’angwaa Gijichaagominaanig: Cleansing Our Spirits (Tiffany M)  

Exploring Anishinaabe knowledge and practice of care for both our individual and collective spirit. 

Five flourishing students: Supported through financial aid and awards (Nene B & MacKenzie K)   

Discover the transformative power of opportunity in this inspiring session featuring five remarkable students whose journeys have been shaped by financial aid and awards. From overcoming adversity to achieving academic and personal success, these students share how scholarships and support opened doors they never thought possible. Their stories highlight the real-life impact of financial assistance—not just in tuition covered, but in confidence gained, dreams pursued, and futures reimagined. Join us as we celebrate resilience, determination, and the lasting value of investing in potential. These voices prove that when given a chance, amazing things can happen. 

The Power of Planning: Why Career Conversations Are Academic Game-Changers (Nicole C)  

Georgian College offers career resources that faculty and staff can use to support student success. The Career Success team provides one-on-one advising, job search support, and employer connections for students at every stage. The Career Hub and extensive resources on MyGCLife deliver career support to students when they need it. By partnering with our team – inviting us into classrooms, integrating career thinking into curriculum, and referring students early, means we can enhance student engagement, purpose, and confidence. Career planning is a shared opportunity to empower students with clarity and direction. 

Big Ideas, Great Teaching, Real Funding: How R&I Supports Your Applied Research Goals (Andrea A & Hamid D) 

This talk will show how R&I helps faculty turn great teaching ideas into funded, industry-partnered projects, without adding to your workload. By taking on the grant writing, logistics, and paperwork, R&I supports you in creating real-world, experiential learning opportunities that benefit both you and your students. If you’ve got a spark of an idea, we’ll help turn it into something impactful, fundable, and aligned with what today’s learners need. 

Growing our excellence together (Tracy MA & Samantha SS) 

As we wrap up our Georgian Talks, we take time to honour the seeds of excellence that grow and weave into our Georgian teaching and learning community. 

Workshops

The Power of Community: Resilience from the Immigrant’s Perspective (Daria T) 

You have lost you job and home, you have no income, your family and friends are thousands of kilometers away…Sounds like a nightmare? It does, while it is also a real experience of 23% of population in Canada and more than 8 million of people (2021 census). 

The session will share some ideas of what we can learn from immigration experience to become more resilient. We will talk about how the community can empower us and how we can empower each other during the darkest times. Let’s discover simple tips we can make every day to boost our morale and to find new purposes. 

Rooted in Heart: Practices of Wholeness (Emma G, Jill E, David L) 

This workshop will guide you in harmonizing the different aspects of yourself that often feel fragmented. Through a balanced blend of movement, meditation, and deep heart-listening, you’ll reunite with your whole self, nurturing your spirit and aligning body, mind, and heart. 

Designing for Balance: How Course Design Can Support Faculty Wellness (Amy G, Kim R, Anthony T)   

Designing courses with faculty wellness in mind can reduce workload, prevent burnout, and create more breathing room throughout the semester. This practical session explores how purposeful automation, humanizing techniques, and strategic communication can enhance both student experience and instructor well-being. 

Participants will: Reflect on how course design impacts stress and workload, explore strategies for efficiency and balance, such as reusable templates and time-saving feedback tools, identify 1–2 small changes to improve their teaching experience. 

You will also receive a Semester Toolkit with strategies for each phase: 

  • Pre-Semester: Clear communication and intentional course design. 
  • Start of Semester: Building connections and engagement. 
  • Mid-Semester: Maintaining momentum and re-energizing students. 
  • End of Semester: Wrapping up with reflection, celebration, and feedback. 

Leave with practical tools and renewed energy for a more balanced teaching experience! 

Focus on Heart: Guided Listening Circle (Emma G, Jill E, Christi S, Debora OM, Tracy MA, Karina M) 

The purpose of listening circles is to create a supportive space where individuals can express themselves, be heard, and find grounding through meaningful connections. We will come together to listen deeply, share openly, and foster a sense of community as we move forward with greater understanding of our differences and shared purpose in teaching, learning, and being.   

Immersive Technology & XR at Georgian – K108 (Rob T)   

Explore Georgian’s immersive technology studio and learn about the opportunities to integrate XR into teaching and learning.  Make your way over to K108 (just outside the library opposite the elevator) to see the newest learning space on campus. 

Register for FOTC 2025

We are pleased to offer in-person and virtual opportunities to attend the conference. In the registration process, you will be asked to declare your mode of attendance. See Conference Schedule for more details.  

Register here! This link takes Georgian employees to our SumTotal system (login is required). 

Register for FOTC 2025

If you require assistance with registration, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email.

QR code to register for FOTC 2025

Proposal submission

Sharing and learning from each other makes everyone better. Together, we will explore innovative and socially just teaching practices that support student success, empower learners, and drive positive change. Consider proposing a session for our upcoming Focus on Teaching Conference 2025.

We are offering two types/lengths of sessions:

  • Georgian (GED) Talks will be 7 minutes in length. Modeled after TED Talks, faculty are invited to share information, knowledge, or an inspiring story related to their classes or educational experiences. GED Talks will be delivered in person and streamed online, with potential for audience engagement (10:15 am to 12:00 pm).
  • Workshops will be 50 minutes in length, including setup and takedown. These are in-person OR online, focused on wellness, self-care, and stress-reducing, spirit-lifting activities (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm).

Our hope is that educators at Georgian will find value and comfort in sharing and learning from each other. Sessions can be simple and easy. Any topics that support faculty growth and development are welcome. 

Submit a proposal for FOTC 2025
FOTC 2025 QR code to submit proposal

Keynote Session

Equity by Design: The Power and Promise of UDL

Keynote Speech by Mirko Chardin (In-person & virtual)

Every student, without exception, holds the potential for success. Regardless of their background or personal identity, each learner deserves an equitable chance to thrive. We’re on a mission to create inclusive learning environments where every student’s unique attributes are recognized as assets, not barriers.

In this session, we will challenge the status quo by urging you to confront your implicit biases, explore the dynamics of power and privilege, and see diversity as the cornerstone of progress. As we dive into Universal Design for Learning (UDL), you’ll discover the power of this revolutionary approach to education. UDL is not just a strategy; it’s a catalyst for change. It’s about unlocking the potential within each student and creating a future where equity and inclusivity reign supreme.

Teaching Excellence Awards

The TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD (TEA) recognizes the innovative and creative teaching approaches of our inspirational educators at Georgian College.  Help grow teaching excellence and celebrate Georgian educators by nominating someone today. 

More about Teaching Excellence Awards
The Innovative GC Faculty, graphic of person in center of icons wearing a Georgian college t-shirt. Icons surrounding person read, designer, researcher, inclusive practitioner, changemaker, digital navigator, collaborator, reflector, mentor

Criteria

Georgian educators regularly exemplify excellence in teaching and embody the competencies associated with the Georgian College Innovative Teaching Competency Framework (visit the Academic Plan for more information).

The Teaching Excellence Award celebrates educators who strive to grow their practice in these competencies and, in so doing, offer students learning experiences that honour student diversity, respect student needs, support student success and contribute to a culture of belonging at Georgian.

We have amazing peers who should be celebrated. As you submit your nomination, please express how your nominee aligns with one or more of the roles of faculty as described in the Georgian Faculty Competency Framework.  

The commitment to excellence can be in one or several of the following competencies:

Designer competencyGeorgian College Chevron

Innovative faculty are DESIGNERS. They design courses, classes, teaching and learning activities, and assessments in order to facilitate student learning. They recognize the importance of mapping courses for students and use evidence-informed pedagogy/andragogy to inform their practice. They recognize the importance of universal design, creating spaces of belonging, and sharing with peers in order to positively impact the teaching ecosystem.

Faculty who are excellent designers do the following kinds of things:

  • Intentionally create universally designed teaching and learning activities.
  • Integrate innovative and active teaching practices to engage students.
  • Guide students and facilitate student learning with scaffolded, mapped and woven teaching and learning activities.
  • Cultivate student learning by using evidence-informed, authentic opportunities for practice.
Researcher competencyGeorgian College Chevron

Innovative faculty are RESEARCHERS. They inspire curiosity and motivate students to ask questions. They offer opportunities to practice critical analysis and problem solving. They explore evidence and best practices in their disciplines and in the profession of teaching. Faculty use research to stay connected and to keep current and transform the experiences of other faculty by sharing their experiences.

Faculty who are excellent researchers do the following kinds of things:

  • Integrate opportunities for students to engage in critical inquiry and problem solving.
  • Seek credible, relevant information to authentically appeal to students.
  • Guide students in critical appraising processes.
  • Embed new learning into existing teaching practice.
Inclusive Practitioner competencyGeorgian College Chevron

Innovative faculty are INCLUSIVE PRACTITIONERS. They are emotionally attuned to the needs of learners and use empathy as a lens for their practice. They plan teaching and learning with integrity and work to identify inequities and injustices that may impact student success. They inhabit a growth mindset space and are open to knowledge outside of their disciplines to empower their students. They understand the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging work and see indigenization as a key priority to transform post-secondary education. 

Faculty who are excellent inclusive practitioners do the following kinds of things:

  • Use a growing array of skills to respond to a multi-faceted learning environment that ensures space for safety, challenge and growth.
  • Foster a commitment to community standards and values while maintaining empathy and fairness.
  • Cultivate opportunities and model risk taking in your teaching practice. 
  • Foster a learning environment where all are empowered to see their own agency and voice. 
Changemaker competencyGeorgian College Chevron

Innovative faculty are CHANGEMAKERS. They approach their interactions with students using an empathetic lens. In their courses, they support students in using this lens to identify inequities in our communities. From this perspective, faculty offer opportunities for collaboration and leadership as student practice changemaking in order to graduate not only amazing practitioners but also amazing community members. 

Faculty who are excellent changemakers do the following kinds of things:

  • Use empathy when creating course-related materials, course schedule, and teaching and learning activities. 
  • Build student ability to collaborate by intentionally focusing on relationships. 
  • Scaffold opportunities for your students to practice sharing leadership.
  • Embed experiential learning opportunities for students to practice changemaking.
Digital Navigator competencyGeorgian College Chevron

Innovative faculty are DIGITAL NAVIGATORS. In their work, they create opportunities for learning that are innovative and supportive of learners and learner needs. They seek out digital solutions that best fit each teaching context. Tools are chosen with purpose and with consideration for all aspects of learning. These faculty share their skills in the support of peers impacting the teaching and learning digital ecosystem of Georgian.

Faculty who are excellent digital navigators do the following kinds of things:

  • Skillfully incorporate ed tech based on careful consideration of pros and cons from learners’ perspectives.
  • Iterate your digital solutions and try again when something doesn’t work.
  • Make decisions about learning technologies based on ethical considerations.
  • Leverage education technologies available to connect and/or engage students.
Collaborator competencyGeorgian College Chevron

Innovative faculty are COLLABORATORS. In classrooms, faculty promote collaboration and teamwork to share knowledge and improve student learning. As professional educators, faculty connect with peers in professional learning opportunities and in institutional teams and utilize a growth mindset for professional growth and development that spans their entire career. They connect with partners within and outside of Georgian to create exciting opportunities for students.

Faculty who are excellent collaborators do the following kinds of things:

  • Establish positive and trust-based relationships among students and colleagues.
  • Weave emotional intelligence into their course design and delivery.
  • Engage in collaborations and gather feedback to grow teaching practice.
  • Offer opportunities for students to practice respectful communication.
Reflector competencyGeorgian College Chevron

Innovative Georgian faculty are REFLECTORS. In their work they will invest time in thinking about their teaching practice. Faculty will explore aspects of their teaching and plan for productive and transformative change. In this work, they will also take the time to evaluate the changes they have enacted to continually develop and grow their practice. They will also share their successes and failures in order to help peers.

Faculty who are excellent reflectors do the following kinds of things:

  • Collect feedback about teaching practice as part of an ongoing cycle of reflection. 
  • Analyze feedback to set intentions and make changes.
  • Prioritize and enact changes to teaching practice.
  • Intentionally incorporate reflection (process and product) into your teaching practice.
Mentor competencyGeorgian College Chevron

Innovative faculty are MENTORS. They recognize the value of relationships and spend energy building relationships. These faculty reach out and across and engage with others in meaningful ways. Being a mentor means, at times, being a coach, a leader, and a keeper of different types of knowledge.

Faculty who are excellent mentors do the following kinds of things:

  • Actively engage in partnerships for the betterment of teaching and learning experience.
  • Support mentees in goal setting and clarifying objectives.
  • Participate in leadership opportunities.
  • Incorporate various types of knowledge into their practices.

Eligibility and process

1. All college professors, librarians, technologists and counsellors are eligible for these awards. Consideration may be given to members of the College community who have demonstrated extraordinary levels of support to teaching and learning at Georgian. The nominator must be Georgian College faculty, administration, or support staff member.  

2. Each award will have no monetary value.    

3. Past recipients of a Teaching Excellence Award are not eligible for nomination for the next five (5) years.  

4. Nomination submissions can be completed by using the online form and should include the following sections:

  • Nominee information  
  • Description of the nominee’s teaching practices and impact on the larger teaching and learning community at Georgian College based on the criteria noted above – please directly align to the competencies, and
  • Supporting evidence, in the form of at least three testimonials from three different people (i.e., colleague, manager, community member, past student) describing and supporting the nominee’s exemplary demonstration of award criteria.  

5. Select members of the CTL and the Teaching Excellence Committee (TEC) will independently review the submissions and rank the nominees. The recommended award winners will be determined from these rankings. 

photo of the Teaching Excellence Award
https://youtu.be/50ZI5rM9Wug

We’d love your help celebrating awesomeness!

Please consider nominating an inspiring colleague today.  Winners of the TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARDS will be recognized at the annual Focus on Teaching and Learning Conference on May 2-3, 2024.  

Nominations are due by April 17, 2024, at 4:00pm  

If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Mitchell-Ashley or Samantha Sullivan Sauer in the Centre for Teaching and Learning.  

QR Code For Submission

2024 Teaching Excellence Awards recipients

Congratulations to our inspiring winners!

Sherry LeBars TEA 2024 Winner

Sherry LeBars

Since 2012, Sherry has been a vital member of the Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant team. According to her nominators, she exemplifies inclusive teaching. Sherry consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Whether it’s offering extra study sessions or connecting students with necessary resources, Sherry cultivates a safe learning environment for students to thrive. It’s clear that her students’ overall well-being and academic success are her top priorities.

Through her creative teaching methods, students not only meet learning goals but also become active participants in their own education, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject matter. Her students have noted how she makes learning enjoyable. Her ability to foster a safe space encourages students to freely ask questions and learn without fear of judgement. Her words of encouragement and genuine care have made a world of difference in her students’ lives.

Read moreGeorgian College Chevron

Sherry’s leadership style is collaborative and innovative. She has built bridges between the Veterinary Technician and Assistant students, fostering deeper connections and ensuring cross-disciplinary learning opportunities. She has also championed enhanced experiential learning opportunities for these groups, increasing shadowing opportunities for students to apply their learning to real-world experiences that build confidence in their abilities. It is evident that her valuable contributions to curriculum development of these programs have led to better-prepared graduates who are ready to excel in their field.

Sherry’s deep commitment to teaching and learning has profoundly enhanced the success of the Veterinary programs and the success of the student experience at Georgian College. As remarked by one student, “the energy and love she invests into teaching has a big impact on her students.” Another student highlights Sherry’s exceptional attitude in the classroom as being “the best”. Echoing the high praise from Sherry’s students, another emphasizes, “Sherry is a true definition of what a teacher is”.

Tracy Mitchell-Ashley TEA 2024 Winner

Tracy Mitchell-Ashley

Through her dedication to changemaking and her innovative approaches to teaching, Tracy Mitchell-Ashley has become the epitome of Teaching Excellence. Her commitment to fostering student success, coupled with her unwavering passion for fostering social connection amongst colleagues, sets her apart as a beacon of inspiration within the college community. Tracy’s teaching exemplifies the transformative power of compassion and collaboration. Her facilitation gifts shine with students in the classroom and with faculty through her work in the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

In the classroom, Tracy seamlessly combines kindness and incredible insight, empowering students to achieve their fullest potential. Whether offering them support or words of affirmation, she instills in students the courage to embrace each moment. With her students, she inspires curiosity, strives for inclusion, and models true collaboration.

Read moreGeorgian College Chevron

Tracy’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. In her role at the Centre for Teaching and Learning, she is a champion of innovative and inclusive teaching practices. She models teaching practices that are rooted in changemaking – encouraging faculty to embrace inclusion in their approaches, methods, and evaluations. In her collaborative endeavors to ensure students at Georgian College feel belonging, she, in turn, fosters a sense of community the faculty.

Tracy’s colleagues define her in words such as “leader”, “advocate” and “friend”. One of her colleagues states that “Tracy embodies a mentor that develops relationships by breaking down boundaries and providing spaces that embrace a sense of community, inclusion, and belonging.”

Tracy is a passionate and transformative leader that continues to inspire countless individuals, across all campuses, in diverse classrooms, and within numerous departments. Through her unwavering dedication, she continues to model collaborative leadership, leaving a mark on staff and students alike. As her nominator aptly states, “Tracy’s excellence is not brief, or fleeting – but longstanding, and ever-present.”

Stephen Waller TEA 2024 Winner

Stephen Waller

With an open heart and a generous spirit, Stephen embodies teaching excellence through his collaboration, mentorship, and friendship – all aimed at inspiring students and enriching their learning experiences in the Community Safety programs. Stephen is renowned for generously sharing his wisdom, resources, and time with everyone around him. His position as a Coordinator extends his impact both within and beyond the classroom.

In the classroom, Stephen relentlessly pursues innovative learning opportunities for students. As a professor, he is described as “high energy” and supportive, consistently striving to create an environment where students feel empowered to grow both academically and personally.

Read moreGeorgian College Chevron

To provide students with engaging lessons that foster critical thinking and real-world application, he collaborates with external partners across a multitude of fields, including law enforcement, public safety management, mental health professionals, the Canadian Armed Forces, and more. He has also been a leader in the FlexCDP program where he has developed mindfully-designed, user-friendly, student-centered, accessible, and engaging courses for his students to enjoy.

As his colleagues state, “Stephen understands that collaboration among faculty members is rooted in the belief that collective expertise and diverse perspectives can lead to enhanced learning experiences for students”. In his role as a coordinator, he not only mentors and guides faculty, but also routinely goes above and beyond his coordination duties. He spearheads events, nurtures relationships with community partners, and coaches faculty in their course development.

Words that have been used to describe Stephen include “enthusiastic”, “intelligent”, and “industrious”. Stephen has also been described by his nominators as “not only a great colleague, but a wonderful friend”. He goes the extra mile for his colleagues, students, and the Georgian College community. He builds and sustains meaningful connections with those around him, consistently serving as a friendly face for both faculty and students to turn to in their times of need.

Criteria 

The commitment to excellence can be in one or several of the following categories of teaching practice: 

Innovative teaching strategiesGeorgian College Chevron
  • Implements innovative practices that might involve interdepartmental, inter-program, or interdisciplinary collaborations
  • Facilitates student learning through collaborations with community partners, professional bodies or other organizations
  • Employs innovative strategies to engage learners in various learning modalities (e.g., face-to-face, hybrid or online learning)
Educational technologyGeorgian College Chevron
  • Skillful and meaningful integration of technology that enhances student learning
  • Advances educational technology through practice and sharing of evidence-based best practices
Active learningGeorgian College Chevron
  • Implements experiential learning (i.e., project-based learning, case-based learning, simulations, field studies, etc.) in a way that enhances student engagement and retention
  • Uses ongoing active learning to facilitate development of higher levels of learning
  • Displays creativity in engaging learners in active learning across learning modalities
Equity, diversity and inclusionGeorgian College Chevron
  • Fosters an inclusive learning environment, in which learners feel a sense of belonging
  • Demonstrates a commitment to equity by supporting full participation of all learners and removing barriers where they exist
  • Use of decolonizing, anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, and/or universal design for learning (UDL) teaching practices to support achievement by all learners
ChangemakingGeorgian College Chevron
  • Facilitates, leads or structures student opportunities to examine how they make a positive impact related to social or environmental change
  • Uses teaching strategies that empower students to develop changemaking skills and mindsets – empathy, collaboration, creativity, resilience, systems thinking, leadership
Humanizing/creating connections and community Georgian College Chevron
  • Demonstrates commitment to connecting with learners, and building opportunities for connection between learners
  • Leads with empathy, compassion and heart to support students in meeting learning outcomes
  • Demonstrates commitment to connecting students with course content in meaningful ways, inspiring students to high levels of achievement and personal growth
ResearchGeorgian College Chevron
  • The research involves the collection and analysis of data or information as well as the synthesis of findings to advance understanding or practice
  • The research endeavour, in some way, enhances student learning or teaching practice

Eligibility and process 

  1. All college professors, librarians and counsellors are eligible for these awards. Consideration may be given to members of the college community who have demonstrated extraordinary levels of support to teaching and learning at Georgian. The nominator must be Georgian faculty, administration or support staff member.
  1. Up to five awards will be given each year.
  1. Each award will have no monetary value.
  2. Nomination submissions can be completed by using the online form and should include the following sections:
    • Nominee information
    • Description of the nominees teaching practices and their impact on the larger teaching and learning community at Georgian
    • Supporting evidence, in the form of at least three quotes from three different people (i.e., colleague, manager, community member or past student) describing and supporting the award criteria
    • Past recipients of a Teaching Excellence Award are not eligible for nomination for the next three years

Please consider nominating a deserving colleague today. TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARDS will recognize the award winners at the annual Focus on Teaching and Learning Conference.

Past award recipients

2024Georgian College Chevron

Sherry LeBars

Tracy Mitchell-Ashley

Stephen Waller

2023Georgian College Chevron

Arthemise Lalonde

Sue Lemmon

Amanda Quibell

Richard Rinaldo

Anthony Tilotta​

Jennifer Varcoe

2022Georgian College Chevron

Jarrod Otterman

Hanna Shrolyk

Danica Vukmirovic

2021Georgian College Chevron

Clem Bamikole

Daphene Francis

Eleanor Gittens

Janette O’Neill-Scott

Jill Esmonde

Larry White

Marilyn Nigro

Marilyn Watson

Mary Dobson

Rob Davidson

Hairstyling team

2020Georgian College Chevron

No conference

2019Georgian College Chevron

Gail Hussey

Kelly Duggan

Lynn MacKinlay

Mary Spencer

Randi Dermott

Rich Freeman

Steve McDonald

Baking and Pastry Arts team

2018Georgian College Chevron

Terry Hrynyk

Rhonda Bell-Allen

Gisele Beausoleil

Cindy Korpatnicki

2017Georgian College Chevron

Nicole Barbato

Daniel Travers

Joachim Schimdt

Toni Cano

Sam Bilamjian

2016Georgian College Chevron

Michael Agema

Amy Goruk

Samantha Sullivan Sauer

2015Georgian College Chevron

Terry Heittola

Sarah Hunter

Alanda Theriault

Deb Witmer

Jaret Wright

Brandy Mullen and Thea Jones

2014Georgian College Chevron

Tamara Fisher-Cullen

Anne-Marie McAllister

Scott McCrindle

Avinash Thadani

Katherine Wallis

Jill Dunlop, Karen Bell, Suzie Addison-Toor, Josh Barath

2013Georgian College Chevron

Michele Baron

Ross Bigelow

Jill Esmonde

Martha MacEachern

Susan Stott-Hood

Kim Stubbs

2012Georgian College Chevron

Bonnie Lee Clarke

Joy Martin

Barry Weese

Lydia Crawford

2011Georgian College Chevron

Catherine Dewhurst

Kath Gradwell

Jack Lesage

Lianne Smith Stow

Catherine Wareham

Kathy Weatherall

2010Georgian College Chevron

Bryan Hunt

Debra Morrow

Susan MacNeal

Anthony Borgo

2009Georgian College Chevron

Steve Miller

Joan Morgan

Jeff Walther

2008Georgian College Chevron

Terry Bell

Karen Halliday

Nancy Noldy-Maclean

Ruthann Krant

Rob Theriault

Ruth Yole

**Hidden**

FOTC 2024

Keynote SpeakerGeorgian College Chevron

Mirko Chardin

Mirko Chardin is Novak Education‘s Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer. Before joining Novak, he was the Founding Head of School of the Putnam Avenue Upper School in Cambridge, MA. Mirko’s work has involved all areas of school management and student support. His greatest experience and passion revolves around culturally connected teaching and learning, recruiting and retaining educators of color, restorative practice, and school culture.

He is also a race, diversity and cultural proficiency facilitator & leadership coach for the Aspire Institute at Boston University’s New Wheelock College of Human Development and Education and is a Virtual Module Content Provider and In-Person Technical Assistance Provider for the Dept. of Ed.’s Inclusive Practice Academy.

He is a principal mentor for the Perone-Sizer Creative Leadership Institute, a former Trustee at Wheaton College and is an active hip-hop artist. Mirko presents both locally and nationally on issues of cultural proficiency, equity, Universal Design for Learning and the use of personal narratives. He is also the co-author with Dr. Katie Novak of the bestselling “Equity by Design: The Power and Promise of UDL“.

Learn more about Mirko here
Mirko Chardin
VideosGeorgian College Chevron

FOTC 2024 – Highlights of Inspiring Growth

Watch the highlights of “Inspiring Growth” at our 2024 Focus on Teaching Conference!

FOTC 2023

Keynote SpeakerGeorgian College Chevron

Michelle Hillier

When was the last time you really felt like your authentic self? This question trips so many people up. But remembering when you last felt truly at “home” with yourself can have a remarkable impact in your work and life. During Michelle’s interactive virtual keynote, she’ll share her personal journey of recovery and provide actionable takeaways to inspire the audience to find happiness within themselves. Using personal reflection, mindfulness and intentional movement, she’ll have us zooming into our authentic self – the self you may have lost along the way. Get curious and come home. Your inner flame hasn’t gone out.

Biography

Finding her own personal Breath & Fire has transformed Michelle’s life. Her inner flame, which was either a pilot light or a blazing inferno, is now a controlled blaze. She’s been on her own intimate healing path of recovery since 2017 from double hip replacement surgery, alcohol use disorder, grief, and a marital separation which has created a deeper sense of compassion and understanding for herself. Essentially, a road to self-love. It’s Michelle’s desire to create experiences for others that hold space for them to find their own Breath & Fire within life’s journey. Over the last two decades, Michelle has been a sought after educator, speaker (TEDx) and published author/content creator. She has transformed millions of lives with her message through large crowd presentations, workshops, trainings, content creation and one-on-one coaching and experiences. Her work has spanned a broad range of industries taking her internationally with her message.

Michelle is a dance and movement specialist, wellness and recovery coach, certified yoga and fitness teacher, mindfulness/meditation teacher, and former professional dancer. She has seamlessly merged all her passions, skills, qualifications and personal experiences to create Breath & Fire to share with individuals, groups and organizations.

Learn more on Michelle’s website
photo of Michelle Hillier, keynote speaker
VideosGeorgian College Chevron

FOTC 2023 – Highlights of being Better Together

Watch the highlights of everyone being “Better Together” at our 2023 Focus on Teaching Conference!

SLT Fieldside Chat – FOTC 2023

In this playful and informative video, our senior leaders discuss the present and future of the educational experience at Georgian College.

FOTC 2022

Keynote SpeakerGeorgian College Chevron

Sarah Rose Cavanagh

Sarah Rose Cavanagh is the Senior Associate Director for Teaching and Learning in the Center for Faculty Excellence at Simmons University, where she also teaches in the Psychology department as an Associate Professor of Practice. Before joining Simmons, she was an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience (tenured) at Assumption University, where she also served in the D’Amour Center for Teaching Excellence as Associate Director for Grants and Research.

Sarah’s research considers the interplay of emotions, motivation, learning, and quality of life. She is author of The Spark of Learning: Energizing the College Classroom with the Science of Emotion (2016) and upcoming Our Monsters, Our Selves: Encouraging Youth Mental Health with Compassionate Challenge (2022). She gives keynote addresses and workshops at a variety of colleges and regional conferences, blogs for Psychology Today, and writes essays for venues like Literary Hub and The Chronicle of Higher Education. She’s also on Twitter too much, at @SaRoseCav.

Learn more on Sarah’s website
Sarah Rose
VideosGeorgian College Chevron

Fireside Chat with Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes and Kevin Weaver

We sat down with our past president Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes and incoming president Kevin Weaver to ask them some hot questions while eating even hotter wings!

What do you love about FOTC?

Call for proposals *HIDDEN SECTION*

Call for proposals now open!

The deadline for submissions has been extended until April 10 at noon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6xObhpXzxI

The conference will open with our keynote speaker – Michelle Hillier, of Breath & Fire. Her talk will focus on “Find your Breath. Ignite your Fire.” 

In this call for proposals, we encourage all interested presenters to consider sharing their ideas and passions. All types of sessions are welcome. As educators, we are BETTER TOGETHER. Sharing and learning from each other makes everyone better!
 
We’re offering two session lengths:

  • Lightning Learning sessions will be 25 minutes in length and will consist of a short, focused presentation (up to 20 minutes) with the remainder of the time allotted to answer questions from the group.
  • Interactive Workshops will be 50 minutes in length and will consist of a structured session that includes interaction and exchange of information between and among participants.
Graphic of three people sitting around a table. one person has a light bulb above their head indicating an idea, another person points at it with approval.

The majority of sessions will be offered the afternoon of Wednesday, May 3 afternoon. Select sessions will run the morning of Thursday, May 4. 
 
Sessions can be simple and easy. Perhaps you have an assignment or teaching technique that has worked well for you. Maybe your students developed an amazing project, or there’s a tech tool that you think others would benefit from using. Any topics that support faculty growth and development are welcome. Our hope is that educators at Georgian and beyond will find value to sharing and learning from each other.

We’re inspired by the generosity of past presenters, and we look forward to your submissions for this year’s conference. Our teaching and learning community is enriched by your willingness to share your expertise and experiences!

Submit your session proposal by April 10 at noon

Call for proposals now open

This year, the theme of the conference is Inspiring Growth. Inspiring Growth captures how teachers play a vital role in inspiring students to grow. We encourage all interested presenters to consider sharing their ideas, innovations, and passions. Our teaching and learning community will be further enriched by your willingness to share your expertise and experiences.  

We are offering two lengths of sessions:

  • Inspiring Workshops will be 50 minutes in length and will consist of a structured session that includes interaction and exchange of information between and among participants.
  • Small Group Inspirations will be 15 minutes in length and offered in a world café format. These could include poster sharing, demos, informational conversations, or anything that can be showcased to faculty during a walk through.  

The sessions will be offered on Thursday May 2nd afternoon.   The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 10 April 2024 at 4pm. 

Interested in submitting a proposal? Click here to learn more.

QR code for session proposal submission