Three members of the Department of Educational Psychology, two faculty and one PhD student, received awards during the 2022 CEHD Spring Assembly on April 27.
Andrew Zieffler, PhD, senior lecturer in the quantitative methods in education program, was honored with the Distinguished Teaching Award (P&A instructional). In their nomination letter, Dr Zieffler’s former students shared what makes him deserving of the recognition.
“As former advisees, we had the privilege to grow as teachers, researchers, and members of the academic community under Dr. Zieffler’s authentically involved support and guidance. His approach went above and beyond the requirements for his job description and reflected a genuine desire to support and collaborate as a mentor and colleague. We know that we are academically, professionally, and personally lucky to have Dr. Zieffler as our teacher/adviser/mentor, and that his impact extends to countless more students.”
Jessie Kember, PhD—lecturer, fieldwork coordinator, and director of clinical placements in the school psychology program, as well as, chair of the department’s Diversity Committee—received the Outstanding P&A Achievement Award. Dr. Kember’s students reflected on what makes her a great instructor and leader in their recommendation.
“Dr. Kember is a rare combination of initiative and warmth; she is a firebrand for change and a truly kind individual who cares about others and wants to see them succeed. All of these qualities and more highlight Professor Kember’s strengths as an exceptional educator, P & A staff member, and all-around human being.”
Shelby Weisen, a PhD student in the psychological foundations of education program, was recognized with the Outstanding Student Worker Award. Weisen’s recommendation had the support of many faculty and students (shown in this video). In his nomination letter, Martin Van Boekel, a faculty member in Weisen’s program, described the dedication she has shown to the department.
“When COVID took over our campus, the head of the department (Kristen McMaster) asked Shelby to
work closely with me to help redesign these classes in a manner that supports students through this
difficult time. This is a very big ask of a student so early in their graduate program, but this is the level of
trust we place in Shelby… In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, the university (and world) reacted. Shelby was active in supporting students and faculty. She joined every committee created by our program and department (as previously mentioned the Anti-racist Action Council, Student Diversity Committee) related to addressing racism and prejudice in our university. Not only that, she took the lead in creating a student focused social justice book club…. Whenever I hear about a new initiative or project in the department that aims to support students, Shelby is likely involved.”
Congratulations to all of our award winners!
