The 2011-2012 Teaching Awards were presented to Queen's professors and instructors at a reception in early December.

The extraordinary teaching achievements of Queen’s faculty, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows were recognized at a celebration recently.

“These awards and the reception help spread the word that teaching is valued and recognized,” says Alan Ableson (Mathematics and Statistics), the current Queen’s University Chair in Teaching and Learning. “When you’re doing research, you’re publishing papers and there is generally some track of what you’ve accomplished, visible to the outside. When it comes to teaching, you can say what you did, but no one else was in the classroom except you and your students. These awards are a public acknowledgement of some of the efforts and creativity that go into teaching.”

The annual Teaching Awards reception is an opportunity to acknowledge the innovative efforts of Queen’s professors and instructors in the classroom.

Dr. Ableson and colleague Leo Jonker (Mathematics and Statistics) both received this year’s Frank Knox Award, presented by the Alma Mater Society. Dr. Jonker, who has won numerous teaching awards, was appointed as the first Chair in Teaching and Learning in 2005, when he focused on making the art of teaching a priority at Queen’s.

For Dr. Ableson, who also gave a speech at the reception, winning a teaching award is a great pick-me-up. “It’s reenergizing and motivating. It gives you the faith and encouragement you need to keep going with innovative teaching methods.”

View the full list of 2011-2012 Teaching Awards winners and a transcript of Alan Ableson's speech