Adriana Medina, associate professor, reading and elementary education, is one of 17 outstanding faculty members to receive the 2023 Awards for Excellence in Teaching from the UNC Board of Governors.
The award winners represent all 16 of North Carolina’s public universities and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. Recipients were nominated by special committees at each institution and selected by the Board of Governors Committee on Educational Planning, Policies, and Programs. Winners receive a commemorative bronze medallion and a $12,500 cash prize. The recipients will be honored at each of their institutions at a future date.
A global educator, Medina uses study abroad opportunities to expand her students’ perspectives of education beyond the United States, while enhancing their understanding of different cultures, languages and educational systems as they work with professionals and children in other countries. She developed study abroad programs in Brazil and Germany and has been integral in sustaining and creating academic partnerships with international institutions.
“To be a good global educator, I challenge myself to gain knowledge, form dispositions and build capacity within myself to understand, participate in and act on issues of local and global significance, as well as educate myself about cultures and regions of our world,” said Medina.
“Dr. Medina’s teaching philosophy is guided by the importance of experiential learning, where students are actively engaged and participating in experiences that enhance their growth,” said S. Michael Putnam, chair of the Department of Reading and Elementary Education. “She is focused on providing relevant experiences that are directly informed by and connected to the community and world.”
This past fall, Medina was named the recipient of Charlotte’s Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence.