Teaching Excellence Awards

Shannon K. Perry

UW Specialization in Podcasting & Audio Storytelling

Shannon inspires emerging podcasters by sharing her technical expertise and passion for storytelling. The founder and CEO of a podcast production company, Shannon designed an innovative curriculum to teach students how to create compelling podcasts using leading audio technology and digital content strategies. Students say Shannon devotes extra time to ensure learners understand complex topics, generously offers students career guidance, and welcomes every learner to express their ideas. | Profile

Sharmaine “Shar” Regisford

UW Certificate in E-Learning Instructional Design

Sharmaine is an enthusiastic teacher and innovative course designer, dedicated to improving the future of e-learning. Colleagues admire Shar’s commitment to meeting accessibility standards and her vocal advocacy for digital badges, which can help learners demonstrate their achievement, knowledge and practical skills. Shar’s insightful teaching shines through her “Shar Notes” — clever tips and personality-filled insights that Shar offers alongside the curriculum to guide learners enrolled in asynchronous courses. | Profile

Glenn Andrews

UW Certificate in Embedded & Real-Time Systems Programming

Students admire Glenn's exceptional ability to explain highly complex concepts — including how to develop software for microcontrollers and microprocessors. Glenn introduces his students to state-of-the art tools, and helps learners understand how they can apply their software development skills through a variety of career paths. Students say Glenn values diverse perspectives, encourages participation and ensures all students feel supported and capable: “Patient, modest, clear, knowledgeable — Glenn is amazing.” | Profile

Danielle R. Dalton

UW Certificate in Storytelling & Content Strategy

Danielle sees to it that every student has the support they need to achieve their academic goals. A creative professional with a passion for user experience design, technical communications and content strategy, Danielle helps guide hands-on activities and offers students one-on-one attention. She also helps instructors integrate teaching technologies, such as online quizzes and collaborative platforms. Thanks to Danielle’s continuous encouragement in group discussions, students say they enjoy a sense of community as they learn from each other.

Claire Chang

UW Certificate in Project Management

UW Certificate in Nonprofit Management

When students or instructors run into a problem, they can count on Claire to look for a solution. Known as a thoughtful, committed colleague, Claire has meticulously organized countless behind-the-scenes details to support UWPCE programs for more than 12 years. Claire consistently advocates for the needs of students and instructors, and even when she doesn’t interact with students face-to-face, students say she makes them feel seen and valued.

Jay Schneider

UW Certificate in Game Design

As a veteran professional game designer, Jay knows how to engage students through interactive courses that cover up-to-the-minute industry trends. For more than 15 years, Jay has contributed his passion for the field to support, create and teach UWPCE programs, including early courses in game mechanics and systems design. Jay’s charismatic teaching style includes spot Q&As, insightful discussions, as well as hands-on play testing and prototyping. Former students say he’s a compassionate teacher who’s made immeasurable impacts for people who are less represented in the games industry — Jay not only creates an equitable, inclusive learning environment for students of all abilities, but he’s also a thoughtful mentor who “moves mountains” to help students find professional opportunities. | Profile

UW CERTIFICATE IN FILM & VIDEO PRODUCTION

Instructors

• Maria Gargiulo
• Rebecca DeGeorge

Instructional Assistants

• Mike Skoptsov
• David Schnitzer

Not every cast and crew has the backing of an expert team like this to support their filmmaking endeavors. As students advance their technical and professional skills in shooting, producing, directing and editing films and videos, this team of industry veterans shows up to teach and support students in a multitude of settings — in class, on location, in the editing bay or celebrating at a premiere. Students say they truly appreciate how this teaching team works together to foster a safe, collaborative space to explore ideas, build confidence and empower students to make lasting social and artistic impacts: "From day one, we were all filmmakers."