Doctoral student Gregory Berka is the 2012-13 recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award presented by the Graduate School.
Berka, a student in the organizational science program in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, was selected for his exemplary commitment to the craft of teaching.
“Graduate Teaching Assistants play a vital role in the mission of the University,” said Tom Reynolds, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. “This award recognizes graduate teaching assistants who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, the laboratory or in another significant instructional capacity. It symbolizes the Graduate School’s commitment to excellence in teaching.”
Berka is described by his peers and students as a “natural teacher” who’s not afraid to ask students for feedback. He even uses this feedback to modify classroom practices. In a focus group conducted by the organizational science program director, students described Berka as an example of a teacher who listens to students.
Faculty member Linda Shanock stated, “Greg has a great combination of organizational skills, oral and written communication skills, the ability to relate to students and challenge them and get them to think, all the while using humor and an incredible naturalness to his presentation style to make his classroom a wonderful place to be a student.”
Berka received $500 and a plaque of recognition from the Graduate School and was honored at a recent reception in the Center for Graduate Life (CGL). There, he thanked the dean and said he felt honored to receive an award for something he has an inherent passion for doing.