WVU Division of Occupational Therapy Continues Legacy of Excellence in Teaching

The WVU Division of Occupational Therapy is proud to have been awarded four excellence in teaching awards among faculty members.  The 2019 School of Medicine Distinguished Teacher Awards awarded two OT faculty members this designation. Dr. Amy Kurowski-Burt received the senior level award, while SueAnn Woods was received the honor at the junior level.  Division of Occupational Therapy Chair Dr. Steven Wheeler sees the teaching contributions of Kurowski-Burt and Woods as vital to fulfilling the Division's current and future commitment to educational excellence. According to Wheeler, "Amy and SueAnn are both creative and innovative instructors who are highly invested in the success of our students."  He also notes that both instructors have been pivotal to the MOT Program's successful transition to hybrid instruction implemented as part of the University's response to the coronavirus pandemic. These prestigious awards are not new to the Division of Occupational Therapy. Previously, In 2013 Dr. Kurowski-Burt was recognized as the Junior Faculty Award winner while Dr. Amanda Acord-Vira was the recipient of this award in 2014. 

The WVU School of Medicine Distinguished Teacher Awards are given each year to recognize and reward exceptional teaching and/or innovation in teaching methods, course and curriculum design, and instructional tools. Following student nominations, faculty portfolios are reviewed by a selection committee. Nominees are expected to demonstrate excellence in the areas of teaching effectiveness as measured by outcomes, transfer of mastery of subject to notable effectiveness in teaching, success in inspiring the spirit of inquiry and curiosity in learners, documented excellence in classroom performance and presentation as documented by peers/learners, and distinguished work in advising and counseling learners.