2013 Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award Winner- Masters II

Deyaa AbuSalim, B.S.

• B.S. in Chemistry, Illinois State University (2011)
• Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Chemistry

Teaching philosophy

I believe that a teacher is someone who wants to make a positive mark on their students’ lives by providing them with the necessary tools that will help them succeed along their academic track, achieve their highest potential as students, and also stimulate them into becoming outstanding individuals among their peers and in society.

Most embarrassing teaching moment

I started answering one of my student’s questions before they finished asking it. It turned out that I was talking about a completely different subject than what they were asking about. I learned to listen before I speak.

Best compliment from a student

I could not have done it without you.

Three most valuable approaches that I bring to my teaching practice

I always listen to my students because they will simply tell me how I can help them most of the time. I always had time set aside to help students who are interested and dedicated enough to ask for help, whether they were in my class or not. I always understood that I was not perfect and I always had room for improvement.

Teaching technique to recommend

Give yourself time to be a good teacher. It takes time to prepare and execute your teaching plan.

Best moment in my teaching career

When I found out that my students were saying good things about me to other students and faculty. I learned that good words travel just as fast as bad ones.