Top teaching honour for Dr. Carol Duncan

While many teachers might shy away from promoting open discussion on sensitive issues of race, religion, sexuality and economic differences, Dr. Carol Duncan encourages those topics debate in her classroom.



From introductory courses to graduate studies, she fosters and teaches students how to discuss “uncomfortable” matters that affect people’s daily lives.



That’s her teaching style and it has worked with enormous success.



The religious studies professor and department chair at Wilfrid Laurier University has been recognized for stimulating students in a wide range of subjects while maintaining a superior research and publication record with a 3M National Teaching Fellow.

Considered the top teaching honour in Canada, the award recognizes excellence in the classroom and educational leadership.



“I feel honoured and privileged to have such significant recognition,” said Duncan who trained as a sociologist. “I see it as a formal ‘thank you’ and an invitation to join in conversation about teaching and learning with colleagues from across the country. It also highlights the importance of teaching at Laurier. One doesn’t teach in a vacuum. You are part of a community of educators. Laurier has been a good place to be a teacher as well as a scholar.”



Laurier president and vice-chancellor Max Blouw joined the university community in congratulating Duncan who joined the campus staff in July 1997.



“At Laurier, we put a strong emphasis in the student experience and Carol exemplifies our commitment to create an outstanding learning environment that engages students in their studies,” he said.

Sponsored by 3M Canada and the Society for Teaching & Learning in Higher Education (STLHE), the award includes a lifetime STLHE membership, a citation and an invitation to take part in a teaching and learning retreat with this year’s other nine fellows who will be honoured at the STLHE annual conference at Queen’s University in June.



“I am thrilled that Carol has been invited to join the 3M Teaching Fellowship,” said Pat Rogers, associate vice-president for teaching and learning. “Carol is a supreme example of the professor who challenges and supports her students to achieve their best and through her extraordinary powers of leadership and her gentle approach, she transforms the lives of students and colleagues alike.”

Born in England and raised in Antigua and Toronto, Duncan is the recipient of several awards and fellowships. They include the Laurier University Faculty of Arts Teaching Scholar Award, the university-wide Award for Teaching Excellence and the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Association’s Teaching Award.