With unrivaled skill, commitment, and enthusiasm, Ellen Finch has accumulated an impressive teaching record in the Department of Psychology, exemplifying excellence and a dedication to teaching and mentorship. “What we believe distinguishes Ellen,” said Allie Pagano, Graduate Program Manager in Psychology, and Katie Powers, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies in Psychology, in their nomination, “is the care she extends to all her students and her ability to succeed at the highest level across all her teaching and mentoring experiences.”
Finch served as a teaching fellow for several lecture courses and an instructor for the department’s sophomore tutorial—the latter divided into small weekly seminars led by advanced graduate students or post-doc instructors in which undergraduate concentrators are taught how to read, write, and think like psychological scientists. While the department provides guidance on course policies and assignments, the design of the course, selection of readings, class lesson plans and activities, and grading and feedback are the responsibility of the tutor. Pagano and Powers say that Finch’s long-term commitment to these intensive courses—which demand a tremendous investment of time, thought, and energy on the part of the tutors—has been extraordinary.
“It is incredibly rare for a graduate student to elect to hold this position for two full years,” they wrote, “and something we see only from students like Ellen who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to educating undergraduates and truly enjoy these roles.”
Finch is beloved by her students and respected by other tutors for the concrete advice she offers in group meetings on lesson planning, giving feedback on writing, and navigating difficult situations with students.
“Ellen is the kind of teacher and mentor that everyone dreams of having,” said Professor Jill Hooley, Finch’s primary faculty mentor. “She creates a positive learning environment for students and her enthusiasm for her subject matter is infectious. When Ellen gives feedback to others, this is done in a supportive and constructive way.”
Unsurprisingly, Finch received a Q instructor rating of 5/5 for the lecture classes she taught, earning a Bok Center Distinction in Teaching Award for each. She also earned the departmental teaching prize, the George W. Goethals Award for Excellence in Teaching, in recognition of her instruction. In course evaluations, students comment on Finch’s ability to lead and facilitate discussions, her genuine care and compassion for those she teaches, her dedication and accessibility, and her contagious positivity. “Ellen was one of the best course instructors I’ve ever had at Harvard,” wrote one student, “has really inspired me to pursue psychology as a career, and has helped me gain a better understanding of psych research.”
Ellen Finch, the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is pleased to present you with the Derek C. Bok Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching of Undergraduates. Congratulations!
More on the 2023 Derek C. Bok Awards
