Teaching Excellence Awards

Amber Carr

Specialization in Regulatory Medical Writing

Amber Carr is an experienced regulatory medical writer who supports the therapeutic area of oncology at Pfizer. She helped develop the curriculum for the new UW Specialization in Regulatory Medical Writing — and students say she’s an enthusiastic teacher who makes complex topics clear and engaging, while helping them advance their careers. Colleagues say Carr’s commitment to educational quality and student achievement benefits learners and employers alike: “She actively promotes an equitable learning environment and ensures that every student receives the support they need to succeed.” | Profile

Jasjeet Kaur

Certificate in Project Management

Jasjeet Kaur, director of finance operations at Smartsheet, has been a “rising star” ever since she joined the teaching team for the UW Certificate in Project Management — one of UWPCE’s most established certificate programs. Students say Kaur is a thoughtful and empathetic teacher who shares her professional knowledge and experience to complement the coursework. Colleagues say Kaur is elevating the student experience by adding new, engaging content to the curriculum. As one student noted in evaluations: “I really love that we get to be hands-on with a project from start to finish — it makes the learning experience so much more immersive and meaningful.” | Profile

James Norton

Certificate in Front-End Development with HTML, CSS & Javascript

Certificate in Full-Stack Development with JavaScript

Students are fortunate to learn programming from James Norton, a lead engineer and front-end development expert. Colleagues say he goes the extra mile to ensure his students are ready with the skills they need to meet real-world expectations. He’s also helped adapt his courses for students who enroll in UWPCE’s offerings through Coursera. Whether he’s offering flexible office hours or recording bonus tutorials for learners new to the field, colleagues say Norton meets students wherever they are in their learning journey: “[Norton’s] dedication wasn’t just about delivering a curriculum; it was about crafting an experience that left his students feeling empowered and supported.” | Profile

Ray Pfortner – 5+ years

Youth & Teen Programs: Wild About Photography

Youth & Teen Programs: Digital Photography: Camera, Composition & Beyond

Ray Pfortner is the heart of photography across Continuum College. Whether he’s teaching courses for middle- and high-school students in Youth & Teen Programs, for learners age 50+ in Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UW, or for adult learners in UWPCE’s Certificate in Photography, he inspires students of all generations to see the world through a new lens. Pfortner’s approach to teaching blends technical skills with creative exploration — and leaves a lasting impact. Many of Pfortner’s students say they’ve rediscovered their love for photography or found a new passion, and his youngest learners often return to camps and courses as volunteers or teaching assistants. As one student shared: “Ray helped me see the beauty in imperfections — not just in photos, but in life.” | Profile

Ronnie Ashline – 10+ years

Certificate in E-Learning Instructional Design

E-learning strategist Ronnie Ashline has driven a decade of continuous improvements for the UW Certificate in E-Learning Instructional Design program. Students say Ashline encourages creativity as she helps them explore career paths and apply what they learn to their work. Her colleagues say her inclusive approach to teaching ensures that students “feel seen, supported and confident in their ability to succeed.” Ashline is also helping create accessible, future-ready learning experiences as she contributes her expertise toward a new course, Generative AI for Instructional Design. | Profile

WEI-CHIH WANG AND BEN ESTROFF

Youth & Teen Programs: Introduction to Engineering Design & Process

Wei-Chih Wang and Ben Estroff are a powerhouse teaching team. Their decade-long partnership has shaped their introductory engineering course into the most in-demand offering in UW Youth & Teen Programs — with more than 150 students on this year’s waitlist. Wang, an affiliated associate professor in the UW Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, brings leading-edge innovation, sharing his work on life-saving medical devices and 50+ patents. Estroff, an electrical and mechanical engineer, is deeply knowledgeable and intuitive in his teaching. Together, they create magic — disassembling engines, exploring the speed of light through remotes, and calculating torque with wrenches — making complex engineering concepts accessible and thrilling. Their synergy, rooted in collaborative research beyond camp, lights up young minds and inspires future STEM leaders.