Dean's blog: Thanking our teachers for living our values
Can you still remember them today? Those incredible teachers who ignited your scientific curiosity. Who taught you fun ways to remember the elements in the periodic table, steps in the scientific method, gave you your first insect collection assignment, or perhaps even encouraged you to apply to study science at university, instead of some other profession.
And now, at George Mason University, in its College of Science, our students also consistently encounter these creative, caring, student-focused faculty. The ones who support and encourage them to feel a sense of belonging in science, who spend countless office hours so they understand the key concepts to pass say a dreaded O-chem class on their path to medical school. Our faculty and graduate student teaching assistants (GTAs) can be counted on time and again to patiently explain problems in such an engaging and memorable way that a student might finally understand calculus. Or even better yet, open a door our students didn't even know existed so they could explore fields of science that they select as a minor or give them that special opportunity which serves as a springboard to their dream job.
Our engaged educators can transform lives. And according to the many shout outs our science faculty received during the Stearns Center sponsored Thank a Teacher program, our students do notice and took time to show their appreciation.
With our ‘North Star” focused on our value of being student-centered, each day about 240 College of Science instructional faculty and 163 GTAs deliver a distinctive and inclusive student experience that fosters lifelong engagement whether virtually or in the classroom, lab or field. In fact, earlier this week, I congratulated Frank Krueger, associate professor of systems social neuroscience in our School of Systems Biology, for having been selected to receive special commendation as 2025 Online Teacher of Distinction. And I so appreciated reading through comments to more than 75 faculty and GTAs in our college who received this Thank a Teacher recognition.
Although you might not be thanked every day by students or colleagues, take heart that we know why science students succeed at George Mason – it’s because of the effort you put in each day. THANK YOU for bringing your enthusiasm, intellect, and scientific passion to the job each day, inspiring, guiding, and supporting our students throughout their academic journey.
The College of Science accounted for 19% of the thank-you notes received across the university, highlighting the significant impact our science educators have on students' lives and learning experiences. Here are a few that resonated with me.
~ Cody
To: Alexis Berger: “Thank you for helping me feel like I belong in science for the first time.”
To: Allison Case: “I came into Biostats not too excited for what was to come but, I ended up having a great time and this ended up as my favorite class this semester.”...“ Thank you for always having a positive attitude while teaching and making the class safe environment to be in and share our knowledge with you.”
To: Charles Madden, recent Deans Outstanding Educator award recipient: “I enjoyed Bio 213 largely due to how relaxed and easy-going you are. You make the materials digestible and provided adequate resources for us to succeed.”
To: Hao Jing, recent University Teaching Excellence Award winner: “We love your passion and dedication to teaching, specifically how patient, available, and the amount of thought you put into teaching. Thank you for your daily reviews...thank you for being you.”
To: H.C Lim: “Your teaching and mentorship has been instrumental in improving my understanding of complex statistical methods and I will always be incredibly grateful.”
To: Joanna Jauchen: “Your kindness has made such a difference. Understanding that I am not the best test taker and providing more options was the kindest thing I have experienced as a student. You’ve not only helped me succeed academically but also made me feel supported and valued as a person.”
To: Joshua Mattes: “Your teaching style and welcoming environment helped me learn...I never knew that Physics could be fun and you truly taught me so much. In fact, I am actually thinking about minoring in Physics because of you.”
To: Kelly Knight, George Mason Presidential Faculty Excellence Award recipient: “Thank you for keeping it light and fun this semester! Especially because such technical classes can get stressful and heavy, but you made me feel supported as a person and a student.”
To: Malda Kocache: “As a prospective medical student, learning about hundreds of different diseases was truly mesmerizing. The way you break down the concepts, making topics like catabolic pathways become as easy as learning addition and subtraction in elementary school, is a true asset to your teaching.”
To: Shawn Smith: “You truly love the subject you teach, and it shows. Lecture halls are difficult to speak to and you still manage to engage us like you are talking to a friend.”
To: Sarah Ward, recent Dean’s Engagement Award recipient: “I came into organic chemistry thinking that I would struggle and hate the course. You changed that 100%. Not only did the content make sense, I actually enjoyed learning more. You helped me regain my academic confidence. And I am so excited to take Orgo 2 in the spring.”
To: Tyrus Berry: “You meet the student where they are at, keeping everyone engaged and appropriately challenged and have a real knack for zeroing in on the confusion the student is having. You disabuse them of any false assumptions and orient them in a more productive direction, guiding them to the right question to ask rather than just providing the answer. Thank you.”
To: Younsung Kim, University Teaching Excellence award recipient: "This is my first semester at Mason and I couldn’t have asked for a better staff to introduce me to Environmental Sciences. Being accepted here was a nerve-wracking transition. I wasn’t sure I’d succeed and while my friends were graduating, I switched tracks from my original studies and realized I couldn’t have made a better decision. I’m so excited to take on this degree and a lot of that excitement was fueled by having caring, passionate teachers..it was so inspiring to be educated by someone like you who clearly cares about what they’re passing on to the coming generations.”
