Jaye Fredrickson Award for Teaching Excellence

The Jaye Fredrickson Award for Teaching Excellence is the highest teaching award offered at NorQuest College. The peer-nominated award upholds our mission and values by honouring teaching excellence.

Award recipients must demonstrate a record of professional competence in teaching exemplified by:

• engaging learners through exemplary facilitation
• supporting learners through advocacy
• using innovative pedagogical approaches
• developing learning-centred curriculum materials
• employing fair evaluation
• demonstrating scholarship

Named for NorQuest College’s former Vice President, Academic, the Jaye Fredrickson Award for Teaching Excellence was established to honour the legacy of teaching excellence that Fredrickson inspired. It honours an individual who engages learners through exemplary facilitation, supports them through advocacy and utilizes innovative approaches to education.

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2024 recipient: Melissa Steinke

Melissa Steinke is an instructor in the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) program, known for her student-centred, inclusive, and engaging approach to teaching. With a deep commitment to fostering trust and curiosity, Melissa creates a learning environment where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. Her empathy and authenticity shine through in her teaching, as she encourages students to share their thinking, inviting deeper dialogue through prompts – often saying things like, “I haven’t thought about that; tell me more.”

Melissa brings bright energy and creativity to her lessons through hands-on activities and meaningful discussions that challenge students to think critically and develop a willingness to learn through challenges. One student noted, “She models what a growth mindset looks like and teaches us that it’s okay not to have all the answers.”

Beyond the classroom, Melissa actively supports the ELCC program by mentoring colleagues, integrating student feedback, applying authentic assessment principles, engaging with current research, and contributing to curriculum and assessment renewal and inclusive learning initiatives. Her commitment to ongoing learning and reflective practice enriches her students and peers. As one student shared, “You ask questions to delve deeper into [our] understanding before anything else, and you do so in a way that makes it apparent that you're just looking to understand and not judge.”

Reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Melissa shared, “Through my experiences in education, I've learned that teaching from a place of authenticity and openness creates a safe and inclusive space where students can take risks, share ideas, and grow. My goal is to inspire my students to become confident, passionate leaders, equipped with the skills to make a difference and continue learning.”

Melissa’s commitment to student success, innovation, and inclusive education exemplifies the spirit of the Jaye Fredrickson Teaching Excellence Award.