Jérôme Fortier and Katelin Schutz receive the President’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching
Congratulations to Jérôme Fortier (Mathematics and Statistics), who received the President’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching in the Faculty Lecturer category, and Katelin Schutz (Physics), who received the award in the Assistant Professor category.
Established in 2000, the award celebrates educators who inspire, challenge and empower students.
“Exceptional teaching has a lasting impact on our students and is fundamental to the McGill experience,” said McGill President Deep Saini. “This award recognizes educators who inspire curiosity, encourage discovery and create meaningful opportunities for students to learn and grow. Through their dedication to teaching, mentorship and student success, this year’s recipients exemplify the very best of McGill.”
Read below the announcement of the award from the 2026 morning fall convocation ceremony program:
Jérôme Fortier
Jérôme Fortier exemplifies teaching excellence through his exceptional ability to create learning environments that support students from diverse disciplines and with varying mathematical preparation. A Senior Faculty Lecturer who joined McGill University’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics in 2018, he combines humour with exceptional pedagogical skills to focus on mathematics as a process of discovery rather than memorization. By linking abstract concepts to practical applications through familiar experiences and popular culture, he strengthens conceptual understanding while reducing anxiety and promoting academic success. Consequently, his students build a solid foundation for future courses while developing a greater appreciation for the relevance of mathematics in everyday life. Beyond teaching, his work with the Committee on Undergraduate Affairs has helped evaluate Québec’s CEGEP curriculum changes, supporting smooth academic transitions. Managing large classes of up to 400, he has established himself as one of the department’s most visible and influential educators, shaping the learning experiences of thousands. One of Dr. Fortier’s greatest strengths is making students feel engaged with difficult ideas rather than intimidated by them, fostering a classroom atmosphere driven by curiosity, participation, and a genuine desire to learn. Jérôme Fortier is most deserving of the President’s Prize for Teaching and Learning, in the Faculty Lecturer category, for his extraordinary dedication to inclusive and experiential pedagogy
Katelin Schutz
Praised by her students for cultivating collaborative spaces centered on active questioning and critical inquiry, Katelin Schutz prepares budding scientists for a rapidly changing future. Since joining McGill University’s Department of Physics in 2021, she has established herself as a thoughtful teacher, creating a sense of belonging that encourages students to think creatively while building their confidence, communication skills, and research abilities. She provides the intellectual foundation required for students to see themselves as future researchers. As an inspirational lecturer, Professor Schutz introduces cutting-edge ideas on the nature of dark matter into her courses, actively inviting students into the research process and equipping them with the tools to contribute meaningfully. Her courses are recognized as being among the most engaging and rigorous in the department. Her thoughtful supervision prepares students for independent, impactful research, and her mentorship equips them with the direction they need to succeed. Beyond the classroom, Professor Schutz has demonstrated leadership through innovative curriculum reform, successfully redesigning and expanding departmental courses. As Chair of the Undergraduate Advising Committee, she continues to lead by example as an exceptional educator who removes barriers and inspires a lifelong love of learning. Professor Katelin Schutz is most deserving of the President’s Prize for Teaching and Learning, in the Assistant Professor category, for her extraordinary dedication to training the next generation of researchers.
The award was bestowed during the 2026 morning fall convocation ceremony held on October 19. Watch the presentation of the award here.