Marie-Louise James, a third-year Ph.D. student in German and a Program in European Cultural Studies Graduate Affiliate, is one of 10 graduate students presented with the Graduate School’s annual Teaching Awards in recognition of their outstanding abilities as instructors. She served as an assistant in instruction (AI) for “Beginner’s German I,” taught by Jamie Rankin, a lecturer in the German department.
Winners were selected by a committee chaired by Lisa Schreyer, deputy dean of the Graduate School, and composed of the academic affairs deans of the Graduate School and staff from the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning.
“Her enthusiasm is infectious,” said Rankin, who praised her “engaging classroom presence, her meticulous preparation for every class meeting, and her deep connection with students…. She asks questions, listens thoughtfully, remembers her students’ interests and challenges in minute detail, and creates a classroom environment that makes them all feel welcome and seen.”
Students said James “made the class dynamic, fun and interesting while at the same time pushing our knowledge of German.” Another added, “She created a space and mindset that truly cultivated a desire to learn the language.”
As an ECS Graduate Affiliate, James mentors seniors who are pursuing certificates in the Program in European Cultural Studies and helps organize events for graduate students.
