It's just another example of her ability to draw out the best in students and give them something back. Given her outstanding reputation as an educator, it's no surprise that Reis, an associate professor of educational psychology, was chosen as a University Teaching Fellow this year. Her teaching style is known for an emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills. She customizes the learning experience for each student by identifying particular strengths and nurturing them. Reis, whose own research is school-based, also tries to provide practical opportunities for applying course content.
Students describe Reis in almost mantra-like terms as a compassionate and committed teacher.
Through the years we've built a dialogue and a relationship with her as my mentor. Reis also recognizes that students have lives outside the classroom. In his early 50s, Tebbs was nervous about taking the Graduate Record Exam for entrance into UConn. First-year doctoral student Marion Rogalla traveled from Switzerland to study with Reis. She says it was hard for her to make the transition from her own university experience, where students had rare contact with professors outside of the classroom, to accepting a dinner invitation at Reis's home.