2025 Teaching Excellence award winners focused on student success

The Teaching Excellence Awards recognise educators who create high-quality, inclusive learning that supports student success and reflects a strong commitment to equity, and continuous improvement.

Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes says the five winners are clearly all deeply passionate about their role as educators and are intensely focused on enabling the best possible academic outcomes for their students.

Professor Byrnes says one of this year’s recipients, Ms Gwen Isaac, a Senior Lecturer in Te Rewa o Puanga School of Music and Screen Arts, was also one of only eight academic staff who have been awarded a University Research Medal.

“Earning both a teaching and a research award in the same year is an extraordinary achievement. It reflects Ms. Isaac’s dedication to inspiring minds and advancing knowledge and is a powerful example of all-round academic excellence. Huge congratulations to Ms. Isaac and all the Teaching Excellence Award winners; we are very proud of your achievements and thank you for your work in advancing our university’s student-centred focus on teaching and learning excellence.”

Teaching Excellence Award winners 2025

Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award (Pacific Educator) – Mr Jack Scanlan

A lecturer in the School of Social Work, Mr Scanlan has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to Pacific student success through culturally grounded, values-based teaching. Mr Scanlan’s portfolio demonstrated strong alignment with the award’s 10 Habits of Phenomenal Educators for Pacific Learners criteria. His teaching practice is deeply rooted in Pacific values and pedagogy, and he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to transformative learning outcomes for Pacific students.

Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award – Ms Gwen Isaac

Senior Lecturer in Te Rewa o Puanga School of Music and Screen Arts, Ms Gwen Isaac impressed the panel with her leadership in establishing a fully operational TV studio and delivering real-world client projects that exemplify experiential learning. Her student-centred approach, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy for Māori women in technical roles were recognised as standout contributions to equity and industry engagement. The panel found that Ms. Isaacs’ teaching is a model of creativity, authenticity, and professional preparation.

Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence – Dr. Rachael Pond

Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Education, Dr Rachael Pond has been recognised for her transformative teaching in counselling education, particularly in research-project supervision. Her integration of kaupapa Māori methodologies, commitment to whakawhanaungatanga and manaakitanga in the context of teaching and learning, and the creation of a research whānau have all fostered inclusive, culturally responsive learning. The panel commended Dr Pond’s leadership and support for neurodiverse learners which also exemplifies excellence in student-centred education.

Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Awards – Dr. Mui Kuen Yuen

Senior lecturer in the School of Economics and Finance, Dr Mui Kuen Yuen has been recognised for her innovative, data-informed teaching in business finance and econometrics, with a strong focus on equity and Pacific student success. Her culturally responsive course design, collaboration with Pacific student advisors, and targeted support strategies have led to improved outcomes and engagement for Pacific students across Massey Business School. Her leadership and commitment to inclusive education are strongly aligned with the values of Paerangi, the University’s learning and teaching plan and Weaving Wisdom into a Resilient Future, Massey’s Pacific Plan.

Teaching and Learning Support Excellence Award 2025 – Ms Alisha Verrenkamp

A Senior Tutor in the Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science, Ms Alisha Verrenkamp has been recognised for her impactful work in supporting student learning and staff development. Her clear, accessible portfolio highlighted strengths in course coordination, responsiveness to diverse student needs, and collaboration with new staff. Ms. Verrenkamp’s strong commitment to reflective practice and providing genuine inclusive support in teaching exemplifies excellence.