Recognizing innovation, impact in teaching: 2025/26 Provost’s Teaching Awards

This year’s Provost’s Teaching Award recipients were asked the question: “What lesson, habit, or way of thinking do you hope students carry forward from their learning opportunities with you?”

By BROOKE KLEIBOER

Exemplary teaching and leadership in learning are at the heart of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) academic mission. The Provost’s Teaching Awards are awarded in adjudicated categories to celebrate individuals whose outstanding contributions have a university-wide impact, recognizing excellence, innovation, and dedication to student success across disciplines and roles.

“These award recipients are among the very best educators at the University of Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Patti McDougall (PhD), interim provost and vice-president academic. "Their work exemplifies how innovative teaching can transform student learning and contribute meaningfully to our broader mission as a university. Through their leadership, creativity, and passion, they not only elevate the student experience, but also help shape a culture of teaching and learning that benefits our entire university community.”

Recipients are honoured in several adjudicated categories—including the Provost’s Outstanding Teacher Award, Provost’s New Teacher Award, Provost’s Graduate Student Teacher Award, Provost’s Support of Teaching and Learning Award, and the Sylvia Wallace Sessional Lecturer Award—as well as through the Provost’s College Awards for Outstanding Teaching. Together, these awards highlight the breadth of excellence found across colleges and disciplines. 

All award winners will be celebrated at the USask Staff and Faculty Awards event on June 17. A full list of recipients of USask Staff and Faculty Awards is available online.

Provost’s New Teacher Awards: Dr. Valerie Caron (PhD), College of Medicine

“I aim for students to carry forward a mindset of inquiry and resilience. Developing the habit of pausing to reflect, question, and engage meaningfully with the community around them is central to that. I want them to trust their capacity to lead, communicate, and advocate for themselves, their profession, and those they support. Being a health-care professional is not about having the right answers, but about being willing to explore, adapt, and persist. If students leave with the confidence to think critically and act with purpose, their learning will continue to evolve long after their time in the program.” 

Provost’s Award for Support of Teaching and Learning: Natalya Mason, College of Medicine

“In my teaching practice, I aim to introduce critical concepts in a way that is approachable and relatable so that students can make the connections between critical theory, their personal lived experiences, and the tangible impacts on patients in the health care system. I hope they take advantage of being students at the University of Saskatchewan. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore new ways of knowing, challenge long-held beliefs, and reimagine what a healthy and prosperous future could like for all the people of Saskatchewan.” 

Learn more about all the Provost's Teaching Award recipients on USask's news website.