Qusai Hassan has received a from the University of Toronto’s Teaching Assistants’ Training Program (TATP).
Hassan teaches chemistry courses in the department of physical and environmental sciences at ϲʿӿ including Techniques in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II.
“I am truly humbled for receiving this award,” said Hassan, who is one of five recipients across U of T. “I feel validated through the recognition of this award and how competitive it is.”
The Teaching Assistants’ Training Program has been rewarding TAs across the university with since 2003. One of the requirements of the award is for the TA to have been nominated by at least two students.
“I still don't know which of my students supported my nomination,” said Hassan, but added it was humbling that his teaching has influenced them. “I just want to thank them from the bottom of my heart. Teaching over the course of my graduate degree has truly been a privilege.”
Hassan also thanked professors Kris Kim, Shadi Dalili, Effie Sauer and Marco Zimmer-De Iuliis, as well as his PhD supervisor professor Kagan Kerman for his support.
Hassan said he was not always this good at being a TA. He reflected on the first teaching evaluation and was called a name that he did not want to repeat, but believes he probably deserved it at the time.
He took the words to heart and it pushed him to work on his teaching and communication skills. He strived to be more empathetic towards the student experience. He tries to share his enthusiasm of the course content with the students, he wants it to be as enjoyable as possible.
Hassan stresses the importance of starting every class by asking his students how they are doing. “I think this way of starting the labs or tutorials is something that is easy to miss in teaching these days,” said Hassan. “It should be emphasized because in the end of the day, we are all humans.”
A piece of advice that Hassan shares with his students is to truly convince themselves and hold the belief that they have the capabilities to succeed. “I truly believe that is a prerequisite to almost all success in life,” he said.