At York University's Glendon College, where bilingual education meets global citizenship, two educators are being celebrated for teaching and their work to transform the classroom into a space of intellectual curiosity, inclusion and excellence.
For their commitment to inclusive, student-centred learning, Radha Persaud and Michael Palamarek have earned the 2024-25 Glendon Principal's Teaching Excellence Awards.
The annual awards celebrate faculty who elevate learning through innovation, dedication and inclusive teaching, and for creating a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond. Winners receive a certificate signed by Glendon Principal Marco Fiola.
"At Glendon, we are proud to recognize educators who go beyond the curriculum to inspire, support and challenge their students," says Fiola. "Radha Persaud and Michael Palamarek exemplify the kind of teaching excellence that transforms lives and strengthens our academic community."
This year's recipients are:
Radha Persaud: Principal's Teaching Excellence Awards for contract faculty members
Glendon Principal Marco Fiola and Radha Persaud
Persaud is a distinguished constitutional scholar and public intellectual whose expertise has influenced policy discussions from Queen's Park to international parliaments. Holding degrees from the University of Toronto and Queen's University, Persaud specializes in comparative constitutional law, parliamentary government, federalism and public policy.
Students consistently praise his dynamic teaching style, deep passion for his subject matter and his ability to adapt to diverse classroom needs. Support letters highlight his responsiveness to feedback and his commitment to creating a welcoming, engaging learning environment.
In addition to his teaching excellence, Persaud has advised political leaders - including former Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley - on constitutional matters and is currently working on a manuscript exploring judicial advice and constitutional amendment in Canada.
"It's an honour and privilege to participate in the intellectual development of Glendon students in their quest for knowledge, truth and understanding of our world and its challenges," says Persaud.
Michael Palamarek: Principal's Teaching Excellence Awards for full-time faculty with 10 or less years of full-time teaching experience
Glendon Principal Marco Fiola with Michael Palamarek
Palamarek is an assistant professor in Glendon's Gender and Women's Studies and Sexuality programs, housed in the Department of Global and Social Studies, and is integrated with York's School of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, and the program coordinator for Glendon's innovative Common Core Curriculum. He is a specialist in conceptions of labour and language in critical theory, feminist theory, Marxism and queer theory, and conceptions of sexuality in critical theory.
Palamarek was recognized with this award for his professionalism, infectious enthusiasm and unwavering support for student success. Palamarek's approach, note nominators, emphasizes inclusivity and safety, allowing students to thrive at their own pace with the guidance and resources they need.
"I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this recognition from students and the Glendon community," Palamarek says, "especially given the excellent support we all provide to our students in their journey with us."
For more on the Principal's Teaching Excellence Awards, or to see previous winners, visit the Glendon website.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
