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԰������ Students’ Union (SU) has announced the winners of its 2026 Teaching Excellence Awards. Driven by student nominations, the awards and honourable mentions were given to faculty members across the university who have made a meaningful impact on student learning. Among them were three Faculty of Law professors. 

Professors Maureen Duffy, Howard Kislowicz, and David V. Wright were recognized for their contributions, reflecting a shared commitment to student engagement, thoughtful course design, and a deep passion for teaching.

An honoured Honourable Mention

Duffy received an Honourable Mention for her work in Constitutional Law (Law 400), a foundational first-year course that introduces students to complex areas such as federalism, Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, and Charter Rights, while building core legal analysis skills. For Duffy, the recognition holds particular significance coming directly from her students. 

“I consider this recognition by students to be a highlight of my career. I love teaching, and I learn so much from my students,” she said. “I am honestly humbled by the recognition, and it inspires me to work even harder going forward to be the best professor I can be.”

This academic year also marked Duffy’s return to the classroom after two years away, making the acknowledgement especially meaningful. She described the experience of reengaging with students as a highlight, alongside the opportunity to design and teach a new course in U.S.-Canada Comparative Constitutional Law, an area closely aligned with her research and expertise.

A creative approach to constitutional law

Kislowicz was also honoured for his teaching in Constitutional Law, where he focuses on helping students understand the principles that both limit and justify the exercise of state power, and the role courts play in holding governments accountable. His teaching emphasizes accessibility and engagement, ensuring complex material resonates with a wide range of learners.

He also works to bring a hint of creativity into the classroom, encouraging students to approach the law with an open mind. 

“I have an unusual rule in my classes: If any student sings a question, I promise to sing the answer. This year, students sang on a couple of occasions; it's always such a special moment, inviting creativity and reminding students that we must take the law seriously, but not take ourselves too seriously,” he said. 

Finding connection through teaching

Wright also received an Honourable Mention for his teaching in Torts (Law 406), where students focus on negligence law through a mix of complex and everyday scenarios. 

Following his first sabbatical, Wright described returning to the classroom as a highlight of the year, particularly the opportunity to connect with first-year students and witness their growth over time.

“Watching the students learn in real-time throughout the school year is just amazing. I’m a huge subscriber to the notion of ‘growth mindset’ and by partway through the year it was clear that every student has totally bought-in,” he said. 

Together, these recognitions highlight the strength of teaching within the Faculty of Law and the meaningful role that faculty members play in shaping the student experience, which has not gone unnoticed by the honourees. 

“There are so many amazing professors at the law school and across this top-tier university,” said Wright. “To be recognized in this way with this award is a huge honour and I’m endlessly grateful to be surrounded by such superb colleagues and brilliant students.”