TD Canada Trust Distinguished Teaching Award 2009 Winners

It is my pleasure, as Chair of the Teaching Effectiveness Committee, to announce the winners of the 2009 TD Canada Trust Distinguished Teaching Awards: Mr. Kamal Masri and Dr. John Peloza.

Kamal Masri is a part-time lecturer in the area of Management Information Systems. He first taught the 200 level introductory MIS course at SFU in 2001, and now also teaches courses at the 300 and 400 levels. He was nominated for the award this year by students in classes at each of these three levels. He was also nominated in 2008. Our Committee received consistent feedback about Kamal’s strong dedication to students, his ability to make course material applicable and personal, and his use of innovative course projects. A second year student commented that Kamal was “able to create a learning environment (as opposed to a listening environment)”.

Dr. John Peloza is an Assistant Professor, who joined SFU in 2006 and has taught courses in Marketing at both the undergraduate and graduate level. John also received multiple nominations, and students consistently commented on his encouragement and facilitation of discussion, use of ‘real-world’ experiences and applications, and knowledge, passion and energy in teaching his subject. A fourth year undergraduate student commented “I have never had a more dynamic and memorable course experience than with his class”.

Nominations for the awards are made by students, and the awards are based on excellence and distinction in teaching. The Committee faced a difficult task, as there were many fine teachers nominated. In adjudicating the award, the Committee sought feedback from students.

The Committee congratulates Kamal and John on their continued excellence in teaching, and their contributions to the University.

Anne Macdonald
Chair, Teaching Effectiveness Committee