April 2, 2014 - Dr. Pamela Rose Toulouse has been named the recipient of Laurentian University’s Teaching Excellence Award for Full-Time Faculty for 2013-2014.
An Associate Professor in the School of Education at Laurentian University, Dr. Toulouse is entering her 21st year of teaching in the formal education setting. At the forefront of Dr. Toulouse’s approach as an educator is her passion for teaching and nurturing community within the classroom.
“Kinoomaage is the Ojibwe word that is closest to the English term for teaching. My students, past, present and future, continue to be my greatest educators. They are an essential part of Kinoomaage that inspires me to organize, research and prepare a classroom environment that honours them all,” said Dr. Toulouse.
Originally from the Sagamok First Nation, Pamela Rose Toulouse is a proud Ojibwe/Odawa woman and is well-known for her work in First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) Education. “Through her teaching, Pamela Toulouse contributes to the culturally responsive learning environment that we strive to foster at Laurentian University. She is regarded by her students and fellow faculty members with respect and admiration for her passion and commitment to her work,” said Robert Kerr, Vice-President and Provost at Laurentian.
Dr. Toulouse’s approach is based in building rich relationships between classmates. She also provides a safe space for students to discuss issues in education and encourages them to investigate these further. “When we think of memorable teachers, the ones who were confident in our abilities, pushed us to always be better, encouraged us to pursue further education, and helped us learn from our mistakes so we could succeed, one person always comes to mind,” said her Junior/Intermediate Methods Students in their nomination letter. “Dr. Pamela Toulouse encompasses all of these qualities and she is an outstanding educator. She encourages her students to simply try their best in all endeavors.”
The official award will be presented at the 2014 Spring Convocation.