Is there an instructor who has inspired you this term? Complete the nomination form to celebrate great teaching at the University of Waterloo.
The winners are announced at the March meeting of the Senate and awards will be presented at the Annual President’s Reception for Excellence in Teaching and Research in April.
2024 OUSA Teaching Award Winner
Dr. Brian Doucet, University of Waterloo
Described by students as “a credit to the education of every young planning student,” Dr. Brian Doucet exemplifies what it means to be an inspiring educator.
Through lectures that extend far beyond the classroom—featuring guest speakers like the Mayor of Waterloo, meetings with local officials, and field trips to Toronto and Brampton—Dr. Doucet brings urban planning to life. His dedication to showing students the real-world impact of their learning has motivated many to pursue planning careers with confidence and purpose. Since joining the University of Waterloo nine years ago, Dr. Doucet has championed experiential learning, critical reflection, and student voices in shaping our communities. We’re proud to honour his outstanding contributions with the 2024 OUSA Teaching Award.
Past Recipients
Awards are given the year after the teaching year is recognized. For example, the award for teaching in the year 2014 was given in 2015.
2024
Prof. Josh D. Neufeld
2023
Dr. Faisal al Faisal
2022
Dr. Kathryn S. Plaisance
2021
Dr. Tara Bissett
2020
Dr. Tara Bissett
2019
Dr. Brenda Yasie Lee
2018
Dr. Chad Wriglesworth
Dr. Norm Klassen
2017
Dr. Frankie Condon
2016
Michelle Ashburner
2015
Prof. Rohan Jayasundera
2014
Dr. Josh D. Neufeld
“My vision is best expressed in the words of bell hooks, who writes that “the classroom remains the most radical space of possibility in the academy”. This award means a lot to me, especially knowing that the initiative for the nomination came directly from my students.”
Tara Bissett, 2020 OUSA Teaching Award Winner
Adjunct Professor at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture
Quotes from Nominees
Being nominated for this award means more than the recognition received – it’s a powerful reminder to educators that their efforts truly matter. These words from past nominees highlight just how meaningful it is to know their teaching has made a difference.
I am honoured to have been nominated for such an acknowledgement. I certainly do try to infuse practical and theoretical knowledge into the classes that I teach! I’m touched that students would think of me. Thank you for the information, and I pass my gratitude along to the students who considered my influence to be enough to warrant such an honour. They deserve recognition as well for taking the time out of their very busy undergraduate career to think about acknowledging their professors 😊
Thank you for taking the time to write to me and to share my students’ feedback. Of course, I’m thrilled to know that my students are having impactful & memorable experiences in my courses, especially enough to take the time to nominate me for this award!