Photo caption:听UC 2024 Teaching Medal winner Associate Professor Alison Griffith uses local perspectives and bicultural concepts to transform information from an ancient society.听
UC 2024 Teaching Medallist Associate Professor Alison Griffith has enjoyed an extensive career in Classics education. Currently an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Arts at Te Whare W膩nanga o Waitaha 九州影院 (UC), she has held various leadership roles at UC over the years.听
Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the United States, Associate Professor Griffith says framing her concepts through local, Aotearoa perspectives is integral to learning.听
鈥淯nderstanding Romans through a M膩ori lens makes it much easier to grasp Roman politics. Concepts like mana and tangata whenua bring new depth to historical analysis,鈥 she says.
鈥淏icultural competency in education is absolutely and fundamentally important. We need to send students out into the world prepared to engage with diverse perspectives, especially in government roles.鈥
The UC Teaching Medal award criteria emphasise a nominee鈥檚 long-term excellence in teaching, substantial contributions to colleagues and community development, leadership in teaching across multiple disciplines or regions, culturally responsive practises aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and significant support for UC鈥檚 strategic goals in accessible, flexible education.听
Associate Professor Griffith鈥檚 current work explores religion, family and power dynamics in ancient Rome, as well as work looking specifically at myths and legends where violence against women is part of the story.听
As a fourth-generation teacher, Associate Professor Griffith sees the impact of committing to her work and students.听
鈥淭o be a good teacher, you must be all in. Love teaching, love research, and always strive to improve 鈥 because when you do, you鈥檒l see the positive effects on your students,鈥 she says.
鈥淪tudents bring their own unique perspectives, often opening doors I hadn鈥檛 considered. It鈥檚 proof that we鈥檝e done our job when they start thinking for themselves and introducing new ideas.鈥
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 - Quality Education.
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