We are delighted to announce that Associate Professor of Teaching Katie Lee Bunting has received a 2024/2025 Killam Teaching Prize.
The Killam Teaching Prize, which is conferred “in recognition of excellence in teaching,” is UBC’s most prestigious award for educators, and it speaks to the immense impact that Katie’s teaching has had on her students. Her student evaluations routinely include glowing statements, such as:
- Katie is by far the best professor I have ever had the pleasure of learning from
- Katie was the kindest, most compassionate and engaging instructor I’ve had the privilege of being taught by
- Katie is the best instructor that I have ever had. I have never seen such empathy, awareness, kindness, assertiveness, calmness, therapeutic use of self, professionalism and love for teaching. I feel honoured [to] have her as an instructor.
It is clear that Katie’s teaching has profoundly enriched her students’ learning and their experience of the program. What may not be so immediately apparent to those who do not know her is how profoundly the experience of teaching has affected her. We recently interviewed Katie to learn what teaching means to her.
Reflecting on your time as a student, what qualities or approaches distinguished the teachers who most inspired you?
My favourite teacher was Ms. Coy, my kindergarten teacher. She valued what I said and supported my curiosity. I felt loved and cared for by her. The teachers who most inspired me in my undergraduate and graduate studies had these qualities too- they encouraged me to think critically, take the time to listen to me, and engage in dialogue. They were passionate about what they taught and cared about their students.
What has your journey as an educator within this department been like, from your initial appointment as a Lecturer to your current role as Associate Professor of Teaching?
I started as a part-time Lecturer and felt so energized to be a part of this department. I am incredibly fortunate to have developed as an educator within such a supportive and uplifting department — all our staff, students, and faculty. As I’ve grown as an educator, I am endlessly inspired by bell hooks. My copy of her text “Teaching to Transgress” is beloved — filled with handwritten notes, post-its, and dog ears. Harriet Schwartz, and her work on relational cultural theory, has also profoundly shaped my journey as an educator. She has become a mentor to me, and I am always in awe by how she shows up so authentically and relationally in her work. Teaching has become such a meaningful part of my life.
What does teaching mean to you, and what continues to make it a meaningful and fulfilling part of your academic life?
For me, teaching is about being alongside students—uplifting them, learning with them, and co-creating spaces where they feel valued and confident in what they bring to their education and the profession of occupational therapy. Teaching is about building relationships, where students know they matter and that their presence is necessary and powerful. It is fulfilling to witness how education can foster transformations from the individual up to systems and to be a small part of that process.
What principles or qualities do you strive to embody in your teaching, whether in the classroom, in curriculum development, or in mentorship?
Love is a foundational principle for me. My love is rooted in humanity, collective power, attentive presence, connection, and compassion.
What does this recognition mean to you – both on a personal and professional level?
To be honest, I’m still processing the meaning of it all. It means so much to be recognized by my community in this way. It is certainly uplifting and validating. It’s joyful to celebrate this recognition with my family, as their steadfast love, support, and belief in me is everything.
Photo Credits: Headshot and handwritten letter courtesy of Katie Lee Bunting.