June 2004 - Class of Distinction. By Renata Birkenbuel, Jill Carnell and Erin Driscoll.

Excellence in Teaching Award
Recognizes Outstanding Educators Who Are Teaching Assistants

Britt YamamotoBritt Yamamoto

DEPARTMENT: Geography

COURSES TAUGHT: Critical Engagements with Service and Community: Working in Civil Society; Special Studies in Community-Based Learning; Special Studies in Community-Based Fieldwork

ACHIEVEMENTS: Yamamoto, as a doctoral candidate in geography, developed the innovative course Critical Engagements with Service and Community. The course's objective was to help students understand their own convictions and motivations for "doing good work," and asked them, "What constitutes good work?" Through service learning, Yamamoto encouraged students to analyze larger social issues and strengthen the connection between the UW community and the world. Yamamoto involved his students with creative, in-class exercises and explained complex issues in an uncomplicated way, while prompting the students to analyze themselves and find their own passions.

QUOTE:"Britt brings his considerable intelligence, maturity and broad perspectives to bear on teaching issues. His habits of mind are the very best attributes we hope for in faculty and other professionals of the coming generation." —Acting Graduate School Dean Elizabeth Feetham

DEGREES: B.A., UW, 1992; M.S., UC Davis, 2000


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