Personable and passionate social scientist named teacher of the Year

In her short research profile description, Associate Professor Rebecca Rutt describes herself as “an ‘undisciplined’ social scientist working in the broad field of political ecology”. She can now add SCIENCE Teacher of the Year 2024 to her CV as well. The award will be presented today at 14.00 - 16.00 at a reception in the Konsistoriesalen at Bülowsvej 17.

"I’m very honoured to receive this award! At times, our teaching efforts can feel less visible compared to research and funding applications. Recognition like this is motivating," says Rebecca Rutt.

Rebecca teaches courses on Nature and Landscape Policy and Politics, Motivation and Pro-Environmental Behaviour, Managing Change and Gender and Environment and Sustainable Development. Her courses have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students.

"One of the best teachers I’ve ever had"

Beyond high evaluation scores, students describe Rebecca as academically skilled, committed, and inspiring, known for creating an open and inclusive learning environment with a personal touch.

"Rebecca is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had because of her enthusiasm for the topics we discuss in class. Her passion and knowledge are very impressive and have motivated me," writes one student in their feedback.

Another writes: "I really appreciated how much room there was for active participation in classes. From the start, a safe space was created where we could share our thoughts with one another. In my opinion, it is rare for this to work as well as it did in this course."

This resonates with Rebecca herself, for whom sharing a part of herself is central to her teaching philosophy. At the same time, she loves teaching because it brings her together with like-minded people.

 "I enjoy teaching so much because it is an opportunity to get to know people who very likely share my interests and commitments toward building more just futures and healthy ecologies. And, I learn so much with every class," she says.

Opening up in the classroom

The Teacher of the Year is also praised for making her teaching relevant and connected to real life by involving external actors. Students get the chance to meet representatives from organizations like the Danish Nature and Environmental Agencies, the Capital Region of Denmark, Plastic Change, Dare Gender, Syndicate Of Creatures, Becoming Species, DGUB, Forests of the World, We Do Democracy, and more.

These public sector and civil society representatives provide diverse insight into current issues and debates as well as various perspectives to better understand human relations with and obligations toward the rest of the natural world.

But if you ask her about tips and experiences that can inspire other lecturers at the university, it is far from digital tools and tricks. It is about something as essential as personality.

"Don't be afraid to open up in the classroom. A personal perspective, like sharing the personal significance of what you're teaching, can often be what turns a subject into an interest or even a passion for students, " she concludes.