Recognizing Inclusive Teaching: Dr. Carly Priebe Honoured with Lieutenant Governor’s Post-Secondary Teaching Award

What is the Lieutenant Governor’s Post-Secondary Teaching Award? 

This award recognizes post-secondary educators who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and provide exceptional student experiences through innovation, reconciliation, and leadership. The award, established in 2023, recognizes post-secondary educators in Saskatchewan who have displayed excellence in teaching, primarily at the undergraduate level.

This award recognizes an individual who promotes and advances the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in teaching and learning. An individual nominated for this award is characterized by a proven commitment to inclusion and respect in instructional practice and utilizing intercultural communication in all learning environments.

What does this award mean to you? 

I hope it’s a reflection that students in the classes I teach are experiencing more equitable and accessible environments. I feel passionate about this area as I know there are small things we can do that make a big difference in supporting students. Ultimately, I aspire to influence students to go on and be advocates in the world to create more equitable and inclusive environments wherever they work.

How do you continue to grow and integrate different teaching methods such as universal design for learning? 

The Gwenna Moss Centre has been very helpful. I’ve taken some of the resources that they have created on universal design for learning and tried to include those principles in the classes I teach. I also have engaged in learning off campus and within the College of Kinesiology related to diversity and inclusion, and integrated [some of these principles] into my teaching. The Gwena Moss Centre has something called the equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) Flower. The flower includes specific outcomes. I’ve reflected on how they fit within the classes I teach. 

How does student success influence the way you teach? 

Success looks different for everyone, but for me it is about creating a base where students can have the opportunity for success. Some may need some more supports. For example, first generation university students may need a little bit more help in navigating the campus. If we can do little things in terms of how we frame content, I think that can also be helpful. For example, providing choice in assessment gives students the opportunity to demonstrate success in a way that is most authentic to them. 

Is there anything that students have taught you? 

Yes, students have taught me so much. Every year I try to change things that I’m doing, with the attitude that it’s never finished or perfect. I’m always learning from students about the type of teaching strategies that works best for them. Students have shared stories or provided reflections that informed how I can teach the next year. Reading their reflections can be inspirational. Understanding that the class has an impact in their lives motivates me to grow to make it the best experience I can.