Photo: Vincent Koperdraat
Images of the award ceremony
Besides Duncan, who originates from Canada, there were five other nominees: Marleen Buizer, John Beijer, Henry van den Brand, Frits Claassen and Gert Peek. All nominees received a statuette of ‘de Leermeester’ and a monetary prize of 2500 euros.
Overwhelmed
Jessica Duncan was overwhelmed to have won the education award. ‘I am happy I did not have to hold a speech, as I had not prepared anything. I really did not expect this, especially as the other nominees are really good lecturers too.’
The jury praised all nominees. In Duncan’s case, the way she involves her students in her classes was particularly appreciated, says Jaap Kerr, who was chairman of the jury. ‘She makes sure students are at ease in her lectures. Moreover, she discusses the subjects in a pleasant way, combining them with course material from literature.’
New face
Jessica Duncan is a relatively new face at Wageningen University & Research. She has been teaching at the Rural Sociology group for three years, coordinates three courses and teaches several others. Her background is an unusual combination of food policy and food culture.
Duncan does not know what she will do with her monetary prize yet. Roel Dijksma, who received the award last year, used his prize to set up WURtalks.
Alle genomineerden:
Teacher of the Year Nominee #6: Enthusiastic and energetic
Teacher of the Year Nominee #5:Inventive and personal
Teacher of the Year Nominee #4: Makes Wageningen into what it is
Teacher of the Year Nominee #3: Always involved, even around Christmas time
Teacher of the Year Nominee #2:Maybe not modern, but certainly unique
Teacher of the Year Nominee #1: Not afraid of change