At the afternoon Fall Convocation ceremony on Oct. 14, McGill awarded the President’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching to four outstanding educators.
“Since 2000, McGill has awarded this special prize to educators who have distinguished themselves for their outstanding dedication to student learning. These individuals embody the very best of McGill’s educational mission: they inspire curiosity, nurture talent and prepare our students to thrive in a complex world,” said McGill President Deep Saini, “It is a privilege to recognize their excellence in teaching and the lasting impact they have on our students as part of our convocation ceremonies.”
Here are this year’s winners:
Faculty Lecturer category: Michael Creamer
Michael Creamer, Faculty Lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, has a dynamic approach to teaching and a commitment to student development. Drawing from his experience as both an educator and Olympic-level coach, Creamer bridges theory and practice by integrating experiential learning into his courses that mirror the challenges students will face in the field. His leadership within the B.Ed. program and dedication to continuous pedagogical growth have further elevated the student learning experience. Creamer’s investment in mentoring future physical educators is grounded in his belief that learning should be authentic and meaningful. As one former student reflected: “His lessons didn’t feel like theory, they felt real. They were rooted in personal experience (…) which helped me picture what those concepts would look like in my own future classes.”
Assistant Professor category: Aaron Mills
Assistant Professor Aaron Mills holds the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Constitutionalism and Philosophy and is a leading voice in Indigenous legal education. Mills, who is Anishinaabe (Couchiching First Nation), transforms the classroom into a space of shared learning grounded in respect and reflection. His teaching draws from Anishinaabe legal traditions, weaving together rigorous academic inquiry with lived experience, story and group dialogue to foster engagement. As a legal scholar and practitioner, his work bridges Indigenous and settler legal systems, challenging students to rethink the foundations of law and legal education. He initiated McGill’s mandatory first-year Indigenous Legal Traditions course, the first of its kind in Canada, and is the driving force behind the Anishinaabe Law Field School. Seamlessly integrating research, pedagogy and community partnership, he exemplifies transformative teaching. Said one student: “His use of Indigenous pedagogy engages and challenges students and transforms how we think about law (…) and to reimagine what legal education can be.”
Associate Professor category: Marta Kobiela
Associate Professor Marta Kobiela, of the Department of Integrated Studies in Education, was honoured for her inclusive, intellectually rich teaching and her unwavering commitment to student learning and development. Students praise her for creating classrooms that are collaborative spaces where they are invited to engage deeply with ideas, reflect critically and take ownership of their learning. Kobiela empowers students to become co-constructors of knowledge. Her leadership in curriculum innovation was especially evident during the pandemic, when she successfully redesigned two foundational mathematics methods courses – first for remote delivery, then into a blended format – while preserving hands-on, practice-based learning. As Director of the Visualization, Interaction and Reasoning Lab, Professor Kobiela explores how learners develop reasoning, visualization and agency in mathematics, particularly in geometry and spatial reasoning. As one student noted: “She consistently surpasses the expectations of a teacher, mentor and academic leader, embodying the principles of excellence, empathy and equity in everything she does.”
Full Professor category: Madhukar Pai
Dr. Madhukar Pai, is a Canada Research Chair in Epidemiology and Global Health and the inaugural Chair of the Department of Global and Public Health at McGill University. A globally respected scholar, he is known for his inspiring, justice-driven teaching that challenges students to critically examine the power structures and ethical dimensions of global health. His classroom is a space of purpose and impact, where students are encouraged to use their voices and knowledge to address real-world issues. Pai has led major educational innovations, including the development of McGill’s BA in Population and Global Health, launching in 2026. As Director of McGill’s Global Health Programs and Editor-in-Chief of PLOS Global Public Health, he continues to shape the field through research, leadership and international collaboration. His dedication to mentorship fosters lasting connections, empowering students to become active contributors in global health communities worldwide. Reflecting on his influence, a former student said: “Once you join Madhu’s team, you are a member for life.”