News

Teaching is at the heart of the Faculty of Agriculture.  It is what we do, and great teachers make the learning experience on the Agricultural Campus a truly unique one.

For the past 13 years Sarah Gatti-Yorke has been both an instructor and lab-instructor in several animal science courses at both the diploma and degree levels, from first to fourth year, has co-supervised several Honors students and has developed or co-developed curriculum for several courses, including the extremely popular African Wildlife Ecology course.

Sarah has also served as the Faculty’s Educational Change Facilitator whose role is to promote and support the adoption of innovative pedagogy and cutting-edge teaching technology. She has also spearheaded the annual Agri-Education Symposium and a Community of Practice Teaching and Learning Book Series.

It is not surprising that she is the 2021 Experienced Faculty Teaching Excellence Award recipient.

“This award serves to recognize and celebrate a faculty member’s contributions to teaching at the Faculty of Agriculture over more than five years,” explained Wayne Paquet, Manager Academic Administration.  “There are a number of criteria for this award including classroom and laboratory instruction, development of innovative teaching methods and contributions to student development outside the classroom.”

Sarah’s commitment and approach to teaching is highly regarded by her colleagues and students. Here are a few quotes from the many nominations received.

“Sarah Gatti -Yorke is an extraordinary Instructor. Her style of teaching is engaging and practical. Students learn effectively if they see a “purpose” behind the academics and Sarah presents this each class.”

“She is an innovative teacher, trying new and different methods to deliver the material to the students depending on their abilities, not only between levels but even yea-to-year between cohorts of students as their requirements change.”

“Her office door was always open. Her knowledge and experience with the agriculture industry was evident in her teaching. I appreciated having a professor who not only knows the subject manner, but who is compassionate and lives it every day. It makes for an authentic experience, which is what the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus strives for.”

Sarah also makes many contributions outside of the classroom which directly impact the overall student experience. She has been an academic advisor for the Bio-veterinary Science, Animal Science and Pre-veterinary programs. She is also a regular supporter of recruitment and community outreach events, from Open House to Community Day. Sarah is also the staff member on the AC Judging Team which has been very successful, and which annually hosts the Maritime Intercollegiate Judging Competition.

These are just some of the many contributions Sarah has made to the Faculty of Agriculture, both inside and outside of the classroom. She clearly has a very significant impact on the teaching and learning culture, but it is the impact on her colleagues and students that may be her greatest contribution. As one of her students said:

“Sarah is a light that fills the room. I am so incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to be mentored by her. I will carry her guidance throughout the rest of my academic career.”

Congratulations Sarah