College of Liberal Arts and Sciences announces 2008-09 Teachers of the Year
Monday, May 4th, 2009
John Sharp (Geography)
Suzanne Kelly (Women's Studies)
John Sharp (Geography) and Suzanne Kelly (Women’s Studies) have been selected as the full- and part-time Teachers of the Year by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for 2008-09.
Sharp has taught full time at the college since 2000. He focuses on politically themed geography courses. He said he enjoys working at the college where the emphasis is on teaching and interacting with students.
Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences James Schiffer said, “John Sharp is clearly an outstanding member of our faculty whose innovative approaches to teaching geography are inspiring to his students.”
Sharp said his priority as an educator is to get his students to understand the material and participate in class. He accomplishes this role by knowing his subject, presenting it clearly and – most importantly – knowing how to relate and work with people.
“What really makes a difference at the end of the day is getting to know your students,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kelly has taught as an adjunct in the Women’s Studies Department since 2002. She said the honor is good recognition for Women’s Studies. “We have so many excellent faculty in this program.”
With a background in philosophy, she credits her interdisciplinary approach to teaching with her success in such courses as Feminist Theory; Women: Images and Realities; and Women and Popular Culture.
“Teaching for me is about sharing ideas and engaging students in thinking critically about themselves and the world around them,” she said.
Kelly said that what is most important in her teaching methods right now is the vitality of the physical classroom. “There’s a potential for transformation in the classroom with ideas moving around in that space,” she said.
“I am delighted that Suzanne Kelly is being recognized for her many contributions to our Women’s Studies Program,” said Schiffer. “She is one of our most thoughtful instructors. She has had a profound effect on education and the lives of many of her students.”
In addition to having their names added to the Teacher of the Year plaques in the Jacobson Faculty Tower lobby and receiving $1,000 to be used for professional development, Sharp and Kelly were recognized by Dean Schiffer at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences meeting on May 1.
