Teaching excellence: Jennifer Weinberg-Wolf

Jennifer Weinberg-Wolf, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy, was a recipient of the 2018 Tanner Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Presented each year, the award recognizes excellence in inspirational teaching of undergraduate students, particularly first- and second-year students.

The Glencoe, Illinois native told us about her teaching experiences.

Who was the best teacher you ever had and why?

Mr. Schlicter was my junior high social studies teacher as well as model rocketry summer school teacher. I was the first girl who had ever signed up to take his rocketry class, and he did everything he could to encourage me and not let me be overshadowed by all the boys. He taught me to have a voice and pursue what I was interested in, regardless of other people’s preconceptions.

Describe an “Aha!” moment you had when learning how to teach students.

I was asked a quite challenging question by a student and realized that admitting I didn’t know the answer immediately was a strength rather than a personal failing. I then stepped through my thought process with the class and we all eventually arrived at an answer. It was empowering for the students to realize that I do not have all the answers and enlightening for me to understand I did not need to have them.

Describe a time when you learned something from a student.

Students in my class are involved in so many different areas of research! One of my favorite parts of office hours is when students share how the material we are covering in class relates to something they are doing in their lab. I love the excitement when a student can describe their latest experiment AND they see the connection to the fundamental physics we’re covering in class.