Craig Loewen – Distinguished Teacher Award: June 2, 2006

The Distinguished Teaching Award was established in 1987 to recognize the importance of teaching to the philosophy and goals of the University of Lethbridge. This spring, the medal is awarded to Dr. Craig Loewen, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education.

Dr. Craig Loewen’s passion for teaching is well known in the Faculty of Education and beyond, inspiring University of Lethbridge students and teachers in Alberta and around the world.

Working tirelessly to build students’ self-confidence, Craig Loewen has the unique ability to ensure Education students become skilled and confident math teachers. Recognizing that students entering his classes very often have a fear of mathematics, he consistently creates an atmosphere where students feel comfortable enough to put fear of failure aside and to embark on new approaches to learning. His anecdotes, calm, modest demeanor, and subtle self-deprecating sense of humor all contribute to a positive learning environment where math seems more approachable. Craig Loewen seems to make the complex simple and ensures math is meaningful, engaging, and practical. Students often note that his courses are the first time they have enjoyed and truly understood math, and they attribute this to the diverse, innovative activities that encourage multiple ways of teaching and learning.

Craig Loewen’s influence in teaching also extends beyond his University of Lethbridge students. He works hard to influence teachers through his in-services and workshops, and has developed many valuable resource materials for teachers to use in their classrooms. Very generous with his time and resources, Craig Loewen will visit a classroom at short notice to join the instructor in teaching the students a complex concept. In 1995, math educators from the University of Alberta invited him to participate with them in providing workshops on alternative approaches to teaching mathematics to teacher educators in Namibia, Africa.

Also active in research, Craig Loewen has worked diligently to disseminate new knowledge. His 50+ publications include books, journal articles, and electronic publications. He has served as editor and co-editor of the journal delta-K and as publications director for the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Craig Loewen has been awarded seven research grants for projects that have contributed to the betterment of the teaching profession. His research shows a genuine curiosity about how students learn and how teachers can promote and enrich student learning.

Craig Loewen’s awards and distinctions are evidence of his peers’ high regard of his contributions to the teaching profession. The Alberta Teachers’ Association recognized his involvement in pre-service and in-service mathematics education by selecting him for its Educational Research Award in 1998. The following year he was appointed a Friend of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association.

For his ongoing dedication to improving teaching and learning and the significant impact he has had on so many teachers and students, the University of Lethbridge is honoured to award Dr. Craig Loewen the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Robin Bright – Distinguished Teacher Award: June 1, 2005

The Distinguished Teaching Award was established in 1987 to recognize the importance of teaching to the philosophy and goals of the University of Lethbridge. This spring, the medal is awarded to Dr. Robin Bright, Professor in the Faculty of Education.

An energetic instructor who consistently strives for teaching excellence, Robin Bright, a Professor in Elementary/Language Arts Education, is an exemplary faculty member and an outstanding teacher. Everything the Faculty of Education aspires to teach students about pedagogy is evident in her work.

According to a former student, Robin Bright’s “enthusiasm and love of teaching shines in every lesson she instructs.” She communicates course goals and objectives to students clearly, so they become responsible participants in learning and teaching. Whether teaching or presenting workshops, Robin Bright uses a variety of teaching strategies, such as cooperative learning activities, discussions, group activities, role-playing, and the effective use of technology and print resources. By modelling instructional techniques in her own teaching, she encourages her students to experiment with and use new teaching strategies. With teaching evaluations consistently among the highest in the Faculty of Education, as an instructor she is much sought after by students.

Robin Bright encourages autonomy in her students. She emboldens them to make up their own minds on curriculum and teaching methodology. Another key element in her triumph as a teacher is her caring interest in her students. With a humanistic vision of education, she shares her wisdom, energy, and kindness with students, teachers, and colleagues alike.

As a colleague, Robin Bright is an inspiring and knowledgeable mentor. She is always ready to help with professional advice, and provides excellence and leadership in education at the University of Lethbridge. Robin Bright has offered sessions to her colleagues on developing a teaching dossier, which shows her interest in sharing her teaching experiences with her fellow faculty members.

Robin Bright also maintains an active and successful program of research, which in turn informs her teaching. Her main area of expertise is language learning, and she is recognized as a leader in this field. She has published widely in the form of books, refereed journal articles, and conference presentations. Her research underlies and informs her teaching. Well-read in her areas of expertise, she balances theoretical knowledge with a practical knowledge of teaching and of schools and their business.

For her energy, passion, sterling academic record, and commitment to great teaching, the University of Lethbridge is honoured to award Robin Bright the Distinguished Teaching Award.

David Townsend – Distinguished Teacher Award: June 4, 2004

The Distinguished Teaching Award was established in 1987 to recognize the importance of teaching to the philosophy and goals of the University of Lethbridge. This spring, the medal is awarded to Dr. David Townsend, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education.

With an innovative, witty, and articulate teaching style, David Townsend is a champion of teaching and learning who has inspired hundreds of students to find success in their lives and careers.

David Townsend challenges and encourages students to openly discuss educational issues, to think critically and independently, and to share ideas. One former student wrote that Dr. Townsend “posed questions and ideas in his class that have made me have significant shifts in my teaching paradigms.” David Townsend’s ultimate goal is to encourage students to be critical thinkers and to continue their academic and professional development long after they graduate from the University of Lethbridge.

David Townsend uses real-life experience and learning to enrich his teaching. Drawing on his teaching, administrative, and research experience, David Townsend supports concepts in his
classroom with anecdotes, examples, and humour. He stays informed of new course content and new pedagogical approaches in education, and applies this in the classroom.

As a lecturer, David Townsend is knowledgeable, entertaining, motivational, and sincere. Those who hear him speak are struck by his wit, unique expressions, sharp articulation, and sometimes acerbic critiques. Lecturing, however, is only one of his teaching strategies.

A master of a wide variety of teaching methods, David Townsend applies and models innovative teaching methods that students can themselves apply in their own teaching. His teaching strategies include large and small group work, simulations, cooperative learning, and team teaching. David Townsend strives for excellence and expects the same dedication from his students, setting high standards and motivating students to attain them. His contagious passion for excellence in teaching and learning ensures that students leave his courses confident and eager to teach.

Beyond his classroom, David Townsend promotes first-rate teaching within the Faculty of Education and in other faculties at the University of Lethbridge. He provides coaching and counseling to new faculty members, and he initiated a mentoring program for faculty from other disciplines that involves fifth-year Faculty of Education students. Several years ago, he began a weekly professional development activity called “Teaching in Focus”, which provides a forum for all University faculty to share information on teaching practices. The Teaching in Focus group grew and, in 1994, began to share the concept behind its success across Canada at conferences and faculty professional development workshops. Teaching in Focus has had tremendous impact for all involved.

David Townsend’s work to enhance teaching and learning in schools has extended over the province and beyond. He has traveled across Alberta to help teachers improve their teaching and assist school districts in creating and improving professional development programs. His most recent work in this regard was as one of the founding partners of the multi-million dollar Alberta Initiative for School Improvement. Internationally, David Townsend has arranged courses that link administrators and teachers from Australia and Mexico with those from Alberta. His courses in educational leadership have been offered, to wide acclaim, in the United States, Australia, and Mexico.

An inspiring teacher and an expert in leadership, school improvement, and educational innovation, David Townsend has influenced students, faculty, administrators, and teachers throughout Alberta, Canada, and beyond. The University of Lethbridge is proud to honour David Townsend’s unwavering commitment to teaching and learning excellence by awarding him the 2004 Distinguished Teacher Award.

Hiroshi Shimazaki – Distinguished Teacher Award: May 24,2003

The Distinguished Teaching Award was established in 1987 to recognize the importance of teaching to the philosophy and goals of the University of Lethbridge. This spring, the medal is awarded to Dr. Hiroshi Shimazaki, Professor of International Management in the Faculty of Management.

Dr. Shimazaki received a Bachelor of Arts from Seikei University in Tokyo and a Master of Arts from the University of western Ontario before completing a Ph.D. in Cultural Geography at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Shimazaki began his career at the University of Lethbridge in 1976 in the Department of Geography and moved to the Faculty of Management in 1977. In 1988, Dr. Shimazaki achieved the rank of full Professor.

Dr. Shimazaki’s teaching skills, combined with his curiousity, energy, integrity and good nature have endeared him to many people. Not only has he taught students at the UofL, but also he has served as a Visiting Professor or Researcher in other countries, including Japan, Germany and Mexico.

Dr. Shimazaki’s students stress his ability to blend academic scholarship with pragmatism – how to apply classroom concepts to the ‘real’ world. His classes not only inform and educate but also groom, inspireand instill a thirst for knowledge and excellence.

He didn’t merely teach us course material, but he taught us to weigh which things in life are truly important,’ said a former student. ‘Many professors would qualify as lecturers, but very few measure up to Professor Shimazaki as true teachers.’

The University of Lethbridge is extremely fortunate to have Dr. Hiroshi Shimazaki as a member of the academic staff, and is delighted to recognize his outstanding accomplishement by awarding him this year’s Distinguished Teaching Award

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