Two SLU Faculty Members Receive Emerson's Excellence in Teaching Award

11/12/2024

Two Saint Louis University faculty members received Emerson’s 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award. 

Jennifer Buehler, Ph.D. (Education) and Christina Garcia, Ph.D. (Spanish) were both recognized for their teaching prowess. The Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards Program recognizes educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area annually for their leadership in and passion for teaching, their contributions to student learning, and their knowledge and creativity.

Jennifer Buehler, Ph.D. 

Jennifer Buehler has taught at SLU for the last 15 years. 

At SLU, Buehler teaches courses including Living Writing, Young Adult Literature and graduate-level education seminars. According to her nomination form, her classes are seen as a memorable part of her student’s academic careers. 

“Her classes foster rich, deep, and engaging conversations that go beyond typical classroom discussions,” the nomination form said. “Students report feeling excited to attend her classes and often describe them as the best part of their week. This enthusiasm is a testament to Dr. Buehler's skill in making complex subject matter accessible and relevant to her students' lives.”

Buehler said she enjoys being able to reach students. 

“Teaching English allows me to help students find books to fall in love with and figure out the story that only they can tell as writers,” she said. “Teaching education opens space to help students find passion and personal vision for their future careers. Year after year, I learn and grow alongside my students. I can't imagine doing anything else.”

Buehler said teaching is the hardest, and most rewarding thing she does. 

“Every class session contains hundreds of moments of decision-making in response to what I notice in students,” she said. “On the best days, the energy is right, the classroom community comes together, and we find collective joy in the work. On other days, I make mistakes, and I try to learn from them. I lie awake at night replaying class discussions in my mind, celebrating the meaningful moments, thinking about what I could have done differently. This award affirms me in the struggle and provides deeply meaningful validation of that eternal striving to get it right.”

Her nomination form for the award described her as “one of those teachers who changes lives.” Buehler said her students have impacted her just as much. 

“I can think of many students who have changed my life,” she said. “Individuals and groups who brought their full selves to the classroom, who allowed me to know them as people, which allowed me in turn to know myself in the work. Teaching is relational and reciprocal. I am humbled by every student who has found value in what I offer and who has cared enough to make the work their own.”

Christina Garcia, Ph.D.

Christina Garcia has taught at Saint Louis University for the last nine years. She teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in Spanish. 

Garcia said she was honored to be recognized for her teaching.

“It is an incredible feeling to be part of a list of outstanding educators across all levels and across the St. Louis metropolitan area and to reflect on our collective impact on students,” she said. “Receiving this honor is also very motivating to keep doing this work, despite the challenges we are facing in higher education.”

On the nomination form, Garcia was described as a passionate person who cares deeply about students, teaching and mentoring. She was described as a “perfect teacher” and someone who “exemplifies what is best about the SLU faculty.”

“I think one of the aspects that sets SLU faculty apart is the level of care for students as individuals,” she said. “SLU faculty take time to get to know their students and their advice and guidance goes beyond the classroom. In thinking about how I exemplify this, I cannot help but think about the educators I have had in my life who have shaped me into the professional and person I am today. I have been asked from time to time why I care so much about my students, and my answer is always that I am emulating how my professors and mentors showed me extraordinary care and dedication throughout my academic journey. I see myself as paying forward their investment in me, and I can only hope that my students will carry on this same devotion to others in their future careers and lives.”  

Garcia said the best part about teaching is working with the students at SLU. 

“My favorite thing about teaching is being able to build relationships with my students and be a sounding board as they discover their passions and career paths,” she said. “It is incredible to see years down the road the impact of a connection or conversation. The potential to impact students comes with great responsibility but at the same time is very inspiring. I feel extremely fortunate to work with such thoughtful and dedicated students and getting to accompany them in their academic and personal journeys is what truly motivates me.”