We are pleased to announce that Professor Michael Lee, Professor of Teaching in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, has won the 3M National Teaching Fellowship Award, which is awarded annually to ten outstanding educators across Canada.
Prof. Lee makes a tremendous impact on teaching and learning at UBC, nationwide, and internationally. A Professor of Teaching in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Prof. Lee’s teaching is founded on an unwavering commitment to his students’ mental health and wellbeing, enacting a pedagogy of care. In 2010, he initiated UBC’s student-led Mental Health Awareness Club, and, in 2020, he helped develop Canada’s National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety of Post-Secondary Students.
Prof. Lee strives to teach what he calls, “a heart to foster recovery.” His students speak of having felt deeply cared for and supported in his classes. A student describes Prof. Lee as a “very kind, intelligent teacher” who engages in his students’ learning and shares his love of Occupational Therapy. A colleague notes his “deep-seated initiative to contribute to best practices to promote well-being, effective teaching, and inter-professional education.”
He has been recognized by his students, colleagues, and alumni for improvements to the student experience and learning environment at UBC. The breadth and impact of his approach to teaching cannot be overstated.
The impact of Prof. Lee’s work is felt beyond his classroom and institution. Internationally, Prof. Lee has delivered yearly workshops in China and Asia, supporting a medical university in the re-design of the curriculum for their course in mental health and occupational therapy. He made a significant contribution to the first book in Chinese addressing mental health within occupational therapy.
Please visit MacLean's to read about this year's 3MNTF announcement.
The 3M National Teaching Fellowship was created in 1986 by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) to recognize exceptional teachers in post-secondary education. Every year, the fellowship celebrates 10 university and college educators who show leadership in enhancing post-secondary education and a sustained dedication to undergraduate education. Winners become lifetime members of the society, a national organization working to advance teaching and learning in higher education.