Ohio University Eastern faculty receives Ohio University outstanding teacher award

Jacqueline Yahn, assistant professor of instruction and the Middle Childhood Education program coordinator at Ohio University Eastern, has received the 2022-23 University Professor award for outstanding teaching.  

The University Professor Award recognizes outstanding teaching at Ohio University. Students honor four faculty annually, after a selection process that begins with nominations from the student body. The honored faculty then develop and teach a course of their choosing during the following year as a means of enriching the undergraduate curriculum.

“For me, this is the most genuine accolade of my career because it is bestowed by the OHIO student body,” said Yahn.  “I would add that I am a third generation Bobcat who feels so very fortunate to work at OHIO University and make my life in the local community that I love.  I am grateful to the students who nominated me for this opportunity and to the selection committee for their impressive work throughout the process.”  

Yahn’s proposed course, “Writing for Change,” will require students to harness knowledge of their career field and/or key area of interest to develop a writing for change project. The course positions students to exercise social responsibility as they create content for real-world audiences. It is designed as a “semi-flipped” class to ensure students have time to prepare for class discussion with their peers and workshops led by guest presenters.

“My work at OHIO focuses on the viability of rural schools and communities,” said Yahn. “What I most want my students to gain from the program is the ability to contribute to this viability through their work as teachers. I also want them to gain the confidence that their work is of value.”

“For more than 50 years, Ohio University has recognized outstanding undergraduate teaching through the University Professor award. University Professors demonstrate both excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to student learning. Finalists and winners embody Ohio University’s commitment to the intellectual and personal development of its students,” said Katie Hartman, associate provost for faculty development.

Coworkers describe Yahn’s teaching style as democratic, meaning her courses are designed to give ample space for students to lead discussions and exercise their professional voices.  Students and fellow colleagues often comment on how Yahn couples her enthusiasm and knowledge of public education to create an organized and dynamic classroom setting.

“Place matters, establish roots in the place you want to make a life surrounded by the people you want to make it with. We wilt when we make our big life choices in the shadow of values that are not our own,” Yahn advises students.  

Students enrolled in the Ohio University Eastern Middle Childhood Education program prepare for a variety of future opportunities, with the added benefit of affordable tuition, whether they are pursuing graduate school or going straight into a career.