PhD Candidate, Wildlife Science School of Environmental and Forest Sciences College of the Environment

University of Washington, Seattle, USA

The Excellence in Teaching Awards were created at University of Washington to recognize the contributions of graduate student instructors to the scholarship of teaching and learning.  Graduate instructors enrich the classroom through meaningful and creative teaching approaches. The University of Washington recognized and honored faculty, staff, students and alumni for their passion and dedication to the UW, the local community, the state and the world. The 46th-annual Awards of Excellence ceremony took place at Meany Hall.

Jorge Tomasevic, teaching assistant, environmental and forest sciences from Chile, recieved an Excellence in Teaching Award in 20016. The elegibility criteria takes into account those who demonstrate extraordinary effectiveness as a UW instructor, extensive knowledge and mastery of the subject matter, effectiveness at engaging students, closing gaps between teaching and learning, and supporting student success, innovation in course and curriculum design and ability to inspire, guide and mentor students through independent and creative thinking, aswell as service as a mentor, collaborator and consultant to other teaching assistants and students by helping to enrich the scholarship of teaching and learning.

The following remarks made by President of the Board, Ana Mari Cauce and Provost and Executive Vice President Jerry Baldasty about Jorge Tomasevic, were published by the Office of News and events at University of Washington.

“Jorge is more than just an outstanding teacher; he is a person who can capture the hearts and imaginations of his students, for whom he is a source of inspiration. As a teacher of team-taught courses, Jorge has shown eagerness and respect in his excellent collaborations, which have been thoroughly successful. But what is perhaps most striking about Jorge is the depth of his concern that each of his students understand the material and find a personal connection to it. While there are many highly qualified, passionate instructors at the University of Washington, Jorge stands out due to his genuine interest in his students’ success and learning. His students speak of his exceptional personality; he is a top-notch scientist who undergraduates find accessible and approachable”.

We will welcome Jorge Tomasevic back in Chile soon. He will start work as Scientific Coordinator at the Centro de Humedales de Rio Cruces in the southern city of Valdivia. (http://centrohumedalesriocruces.cl).