Allyson Dafoe
Teaching Assistant
she/her
Department of Global Development Studies
Allyson has consistently demonstrated her commitment to supporting her students' well-being and success in their academics. She goes above and beyond by thoroughly answering questions in class, providing us essay example questions and responding to emails. Additionally, she makes herself always available, offering extra study materials to help with understanding lectures and readings. She is very accommodating with circumstances that may affect deadlines, which helps with alleviating pressure and fostering a positive mental health environment. She encourages open discussions on pressing student issues, a rarity among some instructors. Moreover, she provides clear instructions ensuring students feel supported and empowered to succeed.
Allyson is caring and compassionate and this creates a nurturing learning atmosphere where everyone feels valued and this enhances students' well-being and success at Queen's. She is an exceptional teaching assistant, and students are very fortunate to have her.
Anonymous Student
Mental health is a critical component of our overall well-being, and is equally as important as our physical health. Speaking openly and honestly about the importance of mental health helps to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness, and create safe spaces for students to prioritize their overall health and well-being during stressful periods.
Supporting student mental health is incredibly important, as the pressure of balancing academic responsibilities with work, social activities, and extracurriculars can be overwhelming. As educators, creating a safe space for students to engage with their peers, course materials, and unpack the complex and dynamic world around them is one of the most important aspects of our position. This includes facilitating open lines of communication with and between students, advocating for accessibility and accommodations, providing flexible deadlines, check-ins and opportunities for constructive feedback, and actively involving students in building a space that encourages learning and growth in ways that work best for them. It is also important for educators to "de-mystify" certain facets of academia, in an effort to combat self-doubt and imposter syndrome amongst students. Academic literature and theory are tools to help students make sense of the world, and the role of the educator is to make intricate and entangled ideas approachable.
--- Allyson Dafoe