Dean's Teaching Award - Contract Lecturers (CUPE 1 and 2) Recipients

2025 Recipients

Krystal Batelaan

Faculty of Arts

A nomination for Dr. Batelaan is being submitted for the Dean's Teaching Award in recognition of teaching effectiveness and innovation, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the ability to cultivate relationships with students within and beyond the classroom. Dr. Batelaan's courses use a wide range of resources, assignments, and strategies for students to be successful. Central to Dr. Batelaan's teaching pedagogy is a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, through practices such as the one-time free extension, emphasis on collective learning, student engagement in lectures, and mentorship within and beyond the classroom.

Sally Goldberg Powell

The Creative School

Sally Goldberg Powell is an exceptional educator known for her innovative teaching strategies, commitment to student engagement, and dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion in journalism education. Through her integration of accessible teaching practices, creative use of technology, and thoughtful incorporation of Indigenous perspectives, Sally has transformed her students' learning experiences. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, facilitating workshops and contributing to curriculum development that benefits the wider academic community. Her continuous professional development and effective teaching practices make her a deserving candidate for this award, exemplifying sustained excellence in undergraduate education.

Matthew Hinton

Ted Rogers School of Management

Matthew Hinton has earned the Dean's Teaching Award for his innovative approach to teaching, his incorporation of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in his teaching practices, and his demonstrated teaching effectiveness. Dr. Hinton uses technology in the classroom to increase student engagement and provide additional opportunities for students to participate. He promotes discussions around cultural awareness and corporate social responsibility in business and uses technology to enhance accessibility in the classroom through large displays and lecture recordings. His integration of established teaching practices and active learning techniques, such as think-pair-share and large group discussions, further promotes student engagement and learning outcomes.

Nerissa Inniss-Boston

Faculty of Community Services

Professor Boston demonstrates unwavering dedication and excellence in teaching, making a truly positive impact on her students. She is an inspiring leader, particularly for young Black women, and a role model for all those around her. Professor Boston recently completed her master's degree at TMU, where she was honoured with the prestigious TMU Gold Medal for her outstanding academic achievements and significant contributions to the community. In addition to her academic success, she currently works as a child and youth care practitioner, supporting youth and families. Her accomplishments and commitment to youth make her a deserving candidate for this award.

Philip LeMoyne

The Creative School

Philip LeMoyne is an educator who does not fit the traditional mold of a university professor, clearly challenging and changing the standards of film education in The Creative School. He is absolutely beloved by students for his welcoming teaching environment and the way he brings cutting edge professional experience into the classroom. He has spent the past decade building a cinematography career, becoming highly sought-after for his distinct images and wealth of experience in both narrative and commercial production. Between film premieres, online distribution, and billboards in Times Square, millions have seen his work.

Melissa Moos

Faculty of Community Services

Dr. Melissa Moos is an enthusiastic, patient and student-oriented educator, whose use of multimedia and current events promotes student engagement and interest. She has over fifteen years of teaching experience in a variety of settings, and is highly regarded for her ease of communication and teaching methods. Melissa strives to learn new and innovative methods of teaching practices through professional development, and continues to grow as an educator.

Alexander Ruvuza

The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Ted Rogers School of Management

Alexander Ruvuza deserves the Dean's Teaching Award as he has been an incredible contract lecturer at the Chang School. Since 2014, he has been teaching at Spanning the Gaps, Toronto Metropolitan University's access program for mature students who have faced barriers in pursuing post-secondary education. Alexander's achievements in his impressive teaching career include continuously developing accessible methods to support all learners, providing considerate accommodations to his students, and, most of all, consistently removing barriers from students by applying trauma-informed methods that uplift students, which, in turn, allows them to thrive at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Alexander Ufkes

Faculty of Science

Alexander Ufkes stands out as an exemplary educator, meriting the Dean's Teaching Award for his creative and innovative classroom teaching that aligns with the most advanced pedagogical theories. His leadership in teaching is evident in his influential curriculum development and his commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Ufkes's methods are a beacon of teaching effectiveness, evidenced by improved student outcomes and engagement. His innovative approaches and transformative influence on students' learning experiences are a testament to his sustained excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching. His additional contributions to TMU's pedagogic community further underscore his significant impact on teaching and learning.

Past Recipients