Grinnell Receives Outstanding Teacher Award for 2022-2023
The award is given for demonstrating excellence and creativity in teaching, and making a positive impact on students.
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The UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences (SPHHS) is pleased to announce that Gregory Grinnell, Lecturer in Kinesiology, is the winner of the school’s 2022-2023 College Outstanding Teacher Award (COTA).
The award is given annually to one SPHHS faculty member who demonstrates excellence and creativity in teaching, a positive impact on their students and a mastery of their subject. The College Outstanding Teaching Award program is co-administered by the UMass Amherst Center for Teaching and Learning.
In his nominating materials, Grinnell was described as “being welcoming, flexible, and caring,” and that students appreciated his advocating for them in times of need. The comment that struck the selection committee most was: “I have never genuinely enjoyed a class here [at UMass] until this class. It made me love my major. It made me proud to be an SPHHS student. It gave me the confidence to pursue this career path and the knowledge to do so as well.”
"When I first learned that I had received the SPHHS COTA, I was completely caught off guard and overjoyed,” says Grinnell. “Teaching is my passion, and it is truly an honor to be recognized for my dedication and hard work, especially knowing the excellence in teaching of my colleagues in SPHHS. I immediately felt a deep sense of appreciation for my students, who inspire me to constantly challenge myself and strive for excellence in the classroom. It was also a humbling experience to know that my colleagues believed in me and supported my teaching methods. Receiving this award has motivated me to continue to learn and grow as an educator, and to always prioritize the success of my students. I am deeply grateful for this recognition, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of my students and the educational community."
During the 2022-2023 academic year, Grinnell taught KIN 110: Human Performance and Nutrition, a degree required course that also fulfills a general education requirement for students across all fields of study. He notes that his teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that education is a collaborative effort that requires communication, care, trust, and conversation between the teacher and the students.
“I strive to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued as a person, not just as a student,” says Grinnell. “I make an effort to establish personal connections with my students and create opportunities for them to engage in meaningful conversations about the subject matter, their interests, and their goals.”
He also notes that he works to cultivate a sense of care and support, providing individualized feedback and guidance tailored to each student's unique needs and strengths.
“Ultimately, I believe that this approach allows my students to feel more comfortable and engaged in the learning process, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the material,” he adds. “It also helps them to develop the confidence and skills they need to be successful in their personal and professional lives, both now and in the future.”