Western extension-location faculty honored with Excellence in Teaching award

Upon dedicating 42 years to educational opportunities for all, senior instructor and academic program director Dina Benedetti, alongside co-recipient Brian Bingham of the Department of Environmental Sciences, was honored with the 2015 Excellence in Teaching award at the Faculty Senate Spring Awards Ceremony on May 7.

The award comes after many of Benedetti’s colleagues and students – both past and present – submitted letters of recommendation to Western describing her caring nature and devotion to her students, making her the first WWU extension location instructor to receive the notable award.

Before arriving at Western, Benedetti served the Highline School District as the director of special education, psychologists and counselors, later becoming one of the district’s elementary-school principals. In 1990, she joined the faculty of Western’s Woodring College of Education and helped champion the expansion of educational opportunities throughout Puget Sound in partnership with Extended Education.

One former student credited the success of Western’s Seattle-based Teacher Education Outreach Program, created in partnership with North Seattle College, to Benedetti’s enthusiasm as the academic program director, a role she’s held for 11 years. The alumna commended Benedetti’s ability to model successful teaching practices in fearless and creative ways, stating, “One night, to demonstrate a phonics lesson plan, she showed up in costume. It was brilliant, engaging and so much fun.”

“Dina’s passion goes beyond the classroom,” the letter continued. “She not only cares about her adult students, but about the children they will be teaching, as well.”

In a joint statement, Western’s faculty, staff and students at the Seattle location shared that Benedetti is not only “the best professor” but a leader in equality, equipping her students with diverse teaching styles in order to give children of all abilities equal access to quality education.

For former student and special education teacher Courtney Leininger, who attended her WWU classes on the North Seattle College campus, Benedetti left a lasting impression. “She instilled the importance of learning at all ages. No matter the level of experience, one must continue to learn in order to improve.”

Each year, two Western faculty are recognized with an Excellence in Teaching award for their exceptional efforts at a reception hosted by the Provost and Faculty Senate President. The award is made possible by the Western Washington University Foundation, and students, alumni, faculty and staff are encourage to nominate faculty members.

To learn more about Western’s faculty awards and recognitions, please visit the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs website at wwu.edu/provost/faculty/awards.