2011 Dr. Geraldine Thomas Educational Leadership Award

 

In 2007, the Quality of Teaching Committee established an Educational Leadership Award to recognize the long-term commitment of faculty who develop, enhance and promote the quality of teaching and learning at Saint Mary's, and beyond.  The Committee gratefully acknowledges the support of the Saint Mary's University Faculty Union for this Award.

The Award is named for Dr. Geraldine Thomas, national teaching award winner, and founding member of the Quality of Teaching Committee.  Dr. Thomas has spent the past twenty years of her academic career supporting efforts which improve teaching and learning within the University, the Atlantic region, and nationally. 

The recipient of the Award for 2011 is Dr. Howard Donohoe, a part-time instructor in the Department of Geology.  As a geologist with the Department of Natural Resources, Howard has brought real-world experiences to classrooms at Saint Mary's since 1996.  However, he is not only an excellent teacher, he is also a life-long learner, one who has taken the time to learn about teaching.  And one who is eager to share what he has learned with his colleagues - in workshops, conference presentations, articles in teaching newsletters, and in individual consultations and discussions.  As an active member of Saint Mary's Quality of Teaching Committee since 2006, he has participated in many committee sponsored activities and sits as a reviewer on the Instructional Development Grants Sub-Committee.  For the past two years, his leadership has contributed to the development of two interdisciplinary Communities of Practice.  In addition to teaching and educational leadership within Saint Mary's, Howard has also provided disciplinary and pedagogical expertise and support to the Association of Science Teachers, the Atlantic Geoscience Society and the NS Department of Education.  The reason Howard teaches, and spends time and energy developing his teaching, and the teaching of others, is his caring and respect for students.  His interest in student success has been most recently demonstrated by his involvement in a new initiative in the Faculty of Science called "STEPS" (Strategies Towards Establishing Personal Success).  This program provides an opportunity for students who were not initially successful at university to reapply and to work with an 'academic coach' to make positive changes to enhance their chances for success.  Howard Donohoe, the STEPS 'academic coach' for 2009/10, used a holistic approach in working with students to help them focus on their overall wellness as well as their academic issues. 

(excerpt from the Saint Mary's University Spring, 2011 Convocation program)

This page last modified Tuesday, 31-May-2011 11:24:18 ADT