Education's Award-Winning Academics this Convocation Season
Education’s inspiring mentors are being honoured for teaching and research this Convocation Season, with awards given by the Faculty of Education and McGill University:
Faculty of Education’s 2024 Award for Distinguished Teaching
Dr. Janine Metallic (Assistant Professor, DISE)
Dr. Metallic’s approach to teaching has been described as inspiring, fostering an environment of inclusivity, creativity, and genuine care for her students. Dr. Metallic’s practice of starting each class with personal “check-ins” with her students is an example of how her teaching philosophy prioritizes the students’ personal well-being. Her approach is based on lifelong learning in intercultural contexts, fostering mutually respectful relationships between teachers and students from diverse backgrounds by focusing on practices that enable the sharing and co-construction of knowledge. Her unique approach to education, her exceptional ability to mentor, and the lasting impact she has had on her students are just some of the reasons why Dr. Janine Elizabeth Metallic is this year’s recipient of the Faculty of Education’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Heather Reisman and Gerald Schwartz Award for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Amir Kalan (Assistant Professor, DISE)
Dr. Kalan has been lauded for being an exemplary educator for his exceptional kindness, respect for and dedication to his students, his ability to foster inclusivity in the classroom, and his profound passion for the subject matter. Dr. Kalan’s pedagogical approach has been described as inspiring, in that he brings to life the theoretical through practical applications and insightful examples. Students noted that they felt encouraged to participate in contributing their perspectives and ideas, even when expressing diverse viewpoints. “Dr. Kalan made us feel more like colleagues than students. He once told us that he was learning as much from us as we were from him,” commented one of his Master’s graduands. “His meticulous preparation, approachable demeanor, and infectious enthusiasm for the subject matter have left an indelible mark on my educational journey.”
President’s Prize for Outstanding Emerging Researcher
Dr. Angelica Galante (Assistant Professor, DISE)
Since joining McGill in 2019, Galante has worked at the forefront of research in applied linguistics, including linguistic discrimination and justice, and exploring new ways to learn and maintain languages. Galante’s work is changing the way second languages are taught nationally and internationally. Galante's research has demonstrated that people learn languages more easily when they also learn about the related cultures, traditions, behaviours, and beliefs – a concept known as plurilingualism. As an early-career researcher, Galante has shown a strong record of research projects and funding. Her work is published in top-tier international journals, and her research and expertise are showcased at international teacher associations.
McGill University Medal for Exceptional Academic Achievement
Dr. Susanne Lajoie (Professor Emerita, ECP)
A prolific researcher, stellar teacher, and outstanding innovator, Professor Lajoie has pulled together the fields of psychology, education, and computer science to develop technology-rich learning environments that encourage deep, sustained learning. A forward-thinking innovator, she was inspired to create tools that help learners thrive in rapidly changing learning environments, work that has been recognized nationally and internationally as vital contributions to 21st-Century learning. Professor Lajoie has left an indelible mark on McGill University and the international academic community. Above all, she has exemplified the qualities and accomplishments deserving of this singular academic honour, given her exceptional contributions not only to the discipline of Education, but to McGill University, and to society at large.
