Teacher breathes life into paramedic program, wins national award
Up against hundreds of nominees, one of Fanshawe's most respected faculty members recently rose above the rest and was honored with a national teaching award.
Mark Hunter, a paramedic program coordinator and teacher, was recognized with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) Prix Award for teaching excellence.
According to Skinner, Hunter has “stellar” student feedback surveys and commits himself to constant improvement for both himself and his students.
Since 2001, Hunter has traveled to Lebanon numerous times to facilitate in the creation of a professional ambulance and emergency care training program. According to Hunter, there were no emergency services available prior to their involvement and civil war had left hospitals operating by 1930's standards.
To date, three Lebanese classes have graduated and in the future Hunter would like to see his Fanshawe students travel overseas to participate in exchanges.
After serving 10 years as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit of St. Joseph's Hospital, Hunter was offered a full time teaching position at Fanshawe in 1991. Prior to that he trained and mentored new nursing staff at the hospital. He continued to work as a nurse part-time until 2002.
Hunter said he finds his job rewarding when he sees the look on a student's face when they understand a complicated concept.
“The best day is graduation day, when you get to see your students succeed.”
The ACCC represents colleges and institutes on a national and international level to government, businesses and industry. The ACCC Prix Award recognizes and promotes excellence by showcasing the winner's extraordinary contribution.
Mark Hunter, a paramedic program coordinator and teacher, was recognized with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) Prix Award for teaching excellence.
"When you receive a teaching award, it's not the efforts of one person, it's the efforts of a team," Hunter said.
After winning the Fanshawe College Presidents Distinguished Teaching Award last year, Hunter was nominated for the ACCC award by Fanshawe's President Howard Rundle.
“He has displayed an outstanding commitment to students and their success,” said Health Sciences Dean Pam Skinner, who nominated Hunter for the Fanshawe award.
According to Skinner, Hunter has “stellar” student feedback surveys and commits himself to constant improvement for both himself and his students.
Since 2001, Hunter has traveled to Lebanon numerous times to facilitate in the creation of a professional ambulance and emergency care training program. According to Hunter, there were no emergency services available prior to their involvement and civil war had left hospitals operating by 1930's standards.
To date, three Lebanese classes have graduated and in the future Hunter would like to see his Fanshawe students travel overseas to participate in exchanges.
After serving 10 years as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit of St. Joseph's Hospital, Hunter was offered a full time teaching position at Fanshawe in 1991. Prior to that he trained and mentored new nursing staff at the hospital. He continued to work as a nurse part-time until 2002.
Hunter said he finds his job rewarding when he sees the look on a student's face when they understand a complicated concept.
“The best day is graduation day, when you get to see your students succeed.”
The ACCC represents colleges and institutes on a national and international level to government, businesses and industry. The ACCC Prix Award recognizes and promotes excellence by showcasing the winner's extraordinary contribution.
