TORONTO, Oct, 5, 2020 – Shoshanah Jacobs, an associate professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph, has been named one of Ontario’s most outstanding university teachers by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA). She is receiving a 2019-2020 OCUFA Teaching Award for her outstanding contributions to improving the quality of higher education at Ontario’s universities.
“Shoshanah Jacobs challenges old practices and drives forward a new culture of teaching by creating safe learning environments that allow her students to take risks in a way that fosters their personal growth and professional development,” said Professor Judy Bornais, Chair of OCUFA’s Award Committee. “She’s a teacher who places diversity and inclusion at the centre of her teaching philosophy and students at the centre of their learning experiences.”
The other recipients of a 2019-2020 OCUFA Teaching Award are:
- William Cluett, Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto
- Joel Faflak, Professor in the Department of English and Writing Studies at Western University
- Kim Hellemans, Instructor and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University
- Aaron Langille, Master Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Laurentian University
“Faculty are at the heart of Ontario’s vibrant universities. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedication and boundless energy demonstrated by faculty like Shoshanah Jacobs continues to inspire students to embrace new ideas and build a brighter future,” said OCUFA President Rahul Sapra. “This year’s distinguished award recipients are all dedicated and passionate teachers and mentors. OCUFA is honoured to recognize them with teaching and librarianship awards.”
This year, recipients of the 48th annual TALA awards were honoured in a special video celebrating their achievements.
Founded in 1964, OCUFA represents 17,000 faculty and academic librarians in 30 faculty associations across Ontario. For more information, please visit the OCUFA website at www.ocufa.on.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Ben Lewis, Communications Lead at 416-306-6033 or communications@ocufa.on.ca