For Anna Roshni Jose, great teaching is about more than lectures and lesson plans. It’s about compassion.

“I try to be the kind of educator who gives students that little nudge, one given with love and care, to step out of their shell and shine,” said the third-year PhD in Interdisciplinary Humanities student.

Provost and Vice-President, Academic Arja Vainio-Mattila and Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning Rajiv Jhangiani (both second row, centre) celebrated the dedication and accomplishments of Brock’s teaching assistants at a reception hosted by the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation on Tuesday, April 8.

That philosophy helped Jose earn Brock University’s 2025 International Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA) Award, presented Tuesday, April 8 during an annual Teaching Assistant Awards reception hosted by the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation (CPI) in the Goodman Atrium.

The award recognizes an international graduate student who creates inclusive and engaging learning opportunities.

Professor and Chair of English Language and Literature Tim Conley said Jose exemplifies this ideal by viewing her TA role not just as a job, but as “part of a long, gradual process of learning to teach.”

Since arriving at Brock, Jose has immersed herself in professional development opportunities through CPI and earned multiple certifications, including the Graduate Teaching Assistant Practicum and Instructor Development. She also led a workshop on trauma-informed pedagogy for fellow TAs.

“From my experiences studying across India, I’ve always known I wanted to be a compassionate teacher,” she said. “Brock has given me the support and opportunities to grow into that vision.”

Jose was among five major award recipients honoured at the ceremony, which also celebrated more than 60 individuals who earned Foundational and Advanced Certificates in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

“This year we saw an unprecedented number of nominations for the TA awards,” said Natalie Currie-Patterson, Associate Director of Educational Development. “That so many individuals were nominated is a true testament to the quality of Teaching Assistants at Brock and their dedication to their roles and their students.”

Caroline Hummell, a PhD in Applied Health Sciences candidate, received the Graduate TA Award for her student-centred and reflective approach.

Ashley Giroux (BRLS ’23), an Applied Disability Studies master’s student, and Breah Sovegjarto (BEd ’22, MEd ’23), a research assistant in the Faculty of Education, received the TA Award for their inclusive and engaging teaching practices.

Applied Health Sciences master’s student Mackenzie Ziegler received the Novice TA Award for her mentorship and care in the cadaver lab.