2026 New Faculty Teaching Award of Recognition | Faculty of Social Work
For Suzy Yim, exceptional teaching begins with relationships. As a Lecturer in the University of Regina’s Faculty of Social Work, Yim brings extensive professional experience, a commitment to social justice, and a deeply relational approach to preparing the next generation of social workers. Their dedication to inclusive, experiential, and ethically grounded education has earned them the 2026 New Faculty Teaching Award of Recognition.
Yim’s teaching philosophy centres on the belief that learning is a shared responsibility, built through respect, humility, and meaningful engagement. Rather than positioning students as passive recipients of knowledge, they create opportunities for students to learn collaboratively, challenge assumptions, and develop the confidence to navigate complex professional situations.
Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences
Yim’s classrooms emphasize learning through experience. Through simulations, role-playing, live debates, communication exercises, and reflective assignments, students apply theoretical concepts to real-world social work challenges.
Yim also incorporates regular check-ins, personalized feedback, and opportunities for self-assessment, helping students recognize their progress while developing essential competencies in ethical decision-making, communication, and emotional regulation.
Their approach creates an environment where students are encouraged to engage with challenging ideas, reflect on their experiences, and develop the skills necessary for thoughtful and compassionate professional practice.
Demonstrating Leadership in Curriculum Development
Beyond their classroom teaching, Yim has demonstrated remarkable leadership in curriculum development. They have contributed to the redesign of three undergraduate social work courses, strengthening the integration of Indigenous perspectives, equity and inclusion, professional practice standards, and community-informed learning.
Their work includes developing experiential assignments, case studies, and assessment tools that help students connect academic learning with the realities of social work practice.
As a course lead, Yim also supports fellow instructors by sharing teaching resources, strengthening consistency across course sections, and mentoring colleagues. Their contributions to accreditation and curriculum initiatives further demonstrate a commitment to improving the broader student learning experience.
Making a Lasting Impact on Students
The impact of Yim’s teaching is evident in the experiences of their students. Former students describe an educator who combines high expectations with compassion, creativity, and genuine investment in their success.
They highlight Yim’s ability to create welcoming environments where students feel comfortable taking risks, learning from mistakes, and engaging in challenging conversations. Their mentorship extends beyond graduation, supporting students as they transition into professional practice.
Yim describes their teaching philosophy:
“Informed by social work practice, I approach teaching as a relational, co-created process grounded in respect and humility, with shared responsibility for learning and accountability to ourselves, one another, and the communities we serve.”
Through their innovative teaching, curriculum leadership, and commitment to student growth, Yim exemplifies the excellence and promise recognized by the New Faculty Teaching Award of Recognition.
Their work demonstrates how relational, inclusive education can prepare students not only for professional practice, but also for meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.