Roersma’s rapport with students help them connect theory and field work
You might say Lethbridge College’s Environmental Science program and its students owe a debt of gratitude to the sharp-tailed grouse, which inadvertently helped bring instructor Shane Roersma to campus.
Roersma, a wildlife biologist and instructor in the Renewable Resources Management diploma and Ecosystem Management degree programs, just received a third Teaching Excellence award in his 18-year college career.
The Manitoban completed his undergraduate degree and was embarking on his master’s research at the University of Manitoba when he saw an ad for research an Alberta conservation organization was seeking on the grouse.
He submitted a proposal, it was accepted, and he found himself conducting research on southern Alberta’s Milk River Ridge.
He completed his master’s thesis, and along the way, he fell in love with the region. When a teaching job came up at the highly regarded Environmental Science program in Lethbridge, he jumped at the chance.
Roersma says the program gives him a chance to continue field work and research, efforts made all the more meaningful because they support student learning. Time studying theory in the classroom is supplemented by generous time for field trips at the start and end of the academic year, when students connect what they’ve learned with what they experience outdoors.
“It’s seeing those moments where students open their eyes to the larger realities of environmental science, the breadth of the science,” Roersma says, of what he loves most of his work.
The teacher of zoology, conservation biology, comparative animal biology, ornithology (study of birds) and mammology (study of mammals), says the Teaching Excellence award is an honour, coming from the Lethbridge College Students’ Association and LC Faculty Association.
His award nomination recognized Roersma’s excellent rapport with students and dedication to student success. “(Students and colleagues) appreciate the time you spend staying current with industry to ensure your students are receiving the most current developments in the wildlife field,” reads a summary of the award nomination. “One student likened you to a parent; you are firm and expect a lot, but you also encourage them to do their best and create fun, interactive and meaningful learning activities.”
Joining Roersma in winning Teaching Excellence awards this year were Cherie Reitzel (Interior Design Technology) and Cyndi Starzyk-Frey (General Studies). General Studies instructor Florian Linder received the Rookie of the Year award. All four were recognized at the Honouring Excellence event April 26.