Marylynn Steckley (Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs) has been named one of two recipients of the 2022 Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) Teaching Awards – the highest honour an educator can receive in the province.
Steckley has been a leader in her approach to international experiential learning and online learning, pioneering Canada’s first e-volunteering course for the Global and International Studies Program and the first virtual experiential learning course at Carleton.
“Marylynn has certainly made a lasting impact on teaching and learning at Carleton and beyond through her leadership and innovation,” says David Hornsby, Associate Vice-President (Teaching and Learning). “Her dedication to teaching, scholarship and student success are apparent in all she does, and we are so happy to see her hard work recognized with this prestigious award.”
The student feedback Steckley has received paints a picture of a creative, thoughtful and compassionate professor who empowers her students and helps them thrive. The result? A high degree of student engagement and success.
Steckley incorporates various digital technology platforms in her courses to encourage student learning and interaction. Prior to Zoom taking off as a learning tool during the pandemic, she had been using the platform to work collaboratively with NGOs around the world.
She also actively involves students in her course design, frequently participating in the Students as Partners Program. One of those collaborations led to the launch of a new course last year that has students work with community partners on issues like climate justice programming and newcomer and refugee community engagement programs.
“Helping students expand their perspectives, realize their potential, and imagine themselves in places and positions that they might not have otherwise is one of the most joyful opportunities of my teaching,” Steckley says.
The OCUFA award is one of a growing list of accolades Steckley has received in recognition of her dedication to her teaching and students. In the five years since her appointment of Carleton, her accomplishments include a Teaching Achievement Award, New Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, Excellence in Blended and Online Teaching Award, and most recently, the Provost’s Fellowship in Teaching Award.
This marks the third year in a row a Carleton educator has received the OCUFA award. Overall, Steckley is the 26th Carleton educator to win the award since it was established in 1973.