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Thursday, March 4, 2021
Selkirk College award winners demonstrate excellence in times of adversity Submitted by Selkirk College
Amid the challenges of an unusual year in post-secondary, educators have overcome barriers thrust upon them by focusing on excellence in teaching to ensure students emerge with pathways to success. To recognize outstanding commitment to students and colleagues, the National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards are presented annually to educators from across Canada and the United States. Created in 1978, NISOD is a consortium of community and technical colleges that share a commitment to supporting excellence in teaching, learning and leadership. This year’s recipients from Selkirk College include Alison Roy, Lawrence Zaytsoff, Caroline Barabonow and Doug Henderson. “I am inspired daily by the dedication shown by faculty and staff in all our programs,” says Rhys Andrews, vice president of education at Selkirk College. “This year’s NISOD Award winners are tremendous examples of how Selkirk College provides an experience that transforms the lives of learners. Their knowledge, approach and passion for making a difference remains unchanged even during the most abrupt pivot any of us have experienced over the last few months.” An instructor in the Steps to Opportunities, Academics and Readiness (SOAR) Program on Nelson’s Silver King Campus, Alison Roy has helped revitalize the program formerly known as Adult Special Education. Through innovative efforts to improve courses, document learning outcomes and develop pathways for students of vastly varied abilities, Roy’s team-oriented approach is lauded by colleagues.
Through innovative approaches to learning, Steps to Opportunities, Academics and Readiness Program Instructor Alison Roy’s dedication to her students is unmatched. Teaching out of Nelson’s Silver King Campus, Roy is one of four 2021 NISOD Award winners. Photo: Submitted “The students are quick to speak of Industry and Trades Training since tors. “Students learn the material thorhow much they admire and respect 2014, Lawrence Zaytsoff teaches in oughly while enjoying his wit, sense Alison and how much they enjoy the the Welding Program, the Metal Fab- of humour and engaging methods learning that they are part of,” says rication Foundation Program, the Dis- of instruction. It is testament to his one of Roy’s nominators. “Many covery Program for Women and the personable attitude that many of his students have said they would come Discovery Program for Youth. Known graduates keep in contact with him to class year-round if they could, as for going above and beyond for his during their working careers.” summer break is boring and too long! students, Zaytsoff excels at generating In a Selkirk College career that I have never heard Alison be content confidence and pulling every learner spans 27 years, Caroline Barabonow with the learning her in her classroom up to their maximum potential. is described as a role model with a as being OK as is. She is always brain“During this challenging time of passion and pride that is visible on a storming with students, trying new adapted learning methods, Lawrence’s daily basis. Currently the administrathings, striving for improvements and innovation was demonstrated in his tive assistant for both the School of creating opportunities for success for commitment to the students and his University Arts and Sciences and the all learners.” ongoing development of teaching School of Business, she works behind An instructor in the School of excellence,” says one of his nomina- the scenes to ensure both colleagues
and learners succeed. With a dedication and enthusiasm that is infectious, Barabonow leads quietly by example with an unsurpassed knowledge of the institution. “It’s widely acknowledged that admin assistants are the glue of any successful school,” says one of her many nominators. “Caroline’s work provides a great example of the impact a single person can have in making days brighter, processes more efficient, administrators more effective, and the educational experience we deliver more comprehensive, cohesive and rewarding for our learners.” An immensely popular instructor amongst students and staff, Doug Henderson delivers Math and Statistics courses across a wide range of programs with an approach that puts learners at ease with subject material that can often cause anxiety. Acknowledged for his clarity, enthusiasm and kindness, Henderson has taught on the Castlegar Campus for more than 15 years. A reliable volunteer for college events and activities, his commitment to overall post-secondary success in the region is unparalleled. “Part of Doug’s gift as a teacher is his ability to make students feel comfortable in their Math and Statistics class,” says one of his nominators. “Students know that they can always approach Doug with questions and for support. They also know that if they work hard in his classes they will be able to succeed. In an unassuming way, Doug instills confidence in his students to be able to do complex and challenging work.” Winners of the 2021 NISOD Awards will be honoured at a special online ceremony in early-May. Learn more about Selkirk College programs at https://selkirk.ca/.