We are pleased to share that this year’s recipients of the UBC Okanagan 2024/2025 Outstanding Instructor award are Dr. Peter Arthur, and Dr. Michael Landry.
The Outstanding Instructor Award recognizes exemplary instructors within each Faculty for their teaching over the past three years, with emphasis on the most recent academic year, based on an assessment of their teaching conducted by the Faculty in which they are appointed.
Read the full list on the Office of the Provost and Vice-President’s news page.
Dr. Peter Arthur, Professor
Dr. Peter Arthur demonstrates an unwavering commitment and passion to creating enriching, student-centered learning experiences. Over his career, he has received exceptional feedback from students through student evaluations of effectiveness scores. His courses have become known for fostering an inclusive learning environment where students feel supported and empowered.
Whether he is teaching in a large course with more than 110 Bachelor of Education students or a 100-level course with 35 students, Dr. Arthur makes a point of truly getting to know his students. His dedication extends beyond the classroom as he invites his students to book a one-on-one meeting to discuss their academic, personal or career goals and aspirations.
His use of multi-modal teaching strategies—blending lectures, collaborative learning activities, and digital tools—ensures that all students can engage meaningfully with the material. He is particularly skilled at designing interactive learning opportunities that encourage students to think critically. In response to the changing education environment, he adapted his teaching and assignments to integrate AI.
In recognition of his teaching excellence, Dr. Arthur received the 2023 Killam Teaching Prize, and the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 UBC Okanagan Teaching Fellow. He has received the Dr. Claire Budgen Golden Apple Award (previously Golden Apple Award) in 2020, 2023 and 2024, for fostering instructor-student relationships.
Dr. Michael Landry, Sessional Lecturer
Dr. Michael Landry has made significant contributions as a sessional lecturer to the Okanagan School of Education’s Teaching English and Additional Languages (TEAL) Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, and English Foundation Program (EFP). He has taught LLED 494: Introduction to Additional Language Teaching and Learning and LLED 495: Curriculum and Materials Design in Additional Language Teaching and Learning a number of times, and strives to enhance the courses each time he teaches.
His teaching consistently demonstrates a student-centered approach that cultivates engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Student feedback highlights the clear course organization, timely and constructive feedback, and the strong sense of community generated in online and in-person learning environments. Dr. Landry’s caring and approachable nature leaves a positive impact on students’ growth – both academically and personally.
In his EFP classes, he brings with him expertise in intercultural communication that enriches his classes and supports the success of his students. He has taught across the EFP, in the reading and writing, listening and speaking, and intercultural communication strands for EAP 104 (3) English for Academic Purposes Level IV, and has actively contributed to developing the curriculum and strengthening the intercultural communication learning outcomes of the program. His students have noted that they appreciate the how he uses real-world connections and creates enjoyable, interactive lessons.
Walking by his classroom, Dr. Landry’s enthusiasm and passion is immediately apparent with his lively delivery and engaged students. He is a valuable asset to UBCO, and especially our English as an Additional Language programs.