Outstanding CDA Educator 2024/2025

Is there a CDA instructor that you feel should be recognized for their exceptional teaching methods? Does their passion for Certified Dental Assisting inspire you as a student? Have they done something special, or gone out of their way, to help you as a student? Nominate them for Outstanding CDA Educator of the Year!

Educators are always evaluating your work with a rubric, so here is your chance to evaluate them the same way!

The CDA Alliance Student Leadership Committee created a Rubric for the “Outstanding Educator for the Year 2024/2025. This was a very thoughtful process where your student leaders considered what qualities were important to CDA student learners. You will have the opportunity to share personal feedback if you want.

While we ask you to share your name and school, no names will be shared, in any way, without your permission.

The winner will be announced during CDA Recognition week in March 2025. Please fill out the following form:

Nominate Someone Today!

The nomination period has closes February 28, 2025

Please write the name of CDA educator you are nominating (must be currently working in CDA program in BC): *

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Instruction/Teaching Methods:

The CDA Educator applies the following to how they present theoretical knowledge class or practical knowledge in the clinic:

Up to date syllabuses, resources and teaching information

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are organized (ready for class, showing up ahead of students)

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They have a well-designed daily teaching plan (detailed plan for day)

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They teach engaging lessons (teaching activities are varied, able to deviate from PowerPoint, and able to relate to real-life experiences)

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They have Clear & realistic expectations for class lesson

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They have a productive lesson that students feel made sense

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They have a productive lesson that students feel made sense

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They encourage class engagement during the lesson

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

Knowledge

The CDA Educator exemplifies a CDA who embodies all of the following characteristics while teaching:

They are confident in the subject material; They do not need to consult text or colleagues during lessons to verify teaching material

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are an experienced clinician

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

What they teach is consistent with college teaching staff (everyone is teaching the same thing)

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are willing to engage with difficult concepts in order to explain further details

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They can give relatable lived experience examples

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

Communication Skills

They are open to feedback from students, both good and bad

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are an active listener

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are approachable and allow for mistakes without shaming the learner

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They exemplify compassion, patience, and empathy in exchanges with students

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They can balance the serious subject material with humour

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They use a positive tone of voice

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

Provide respectful feedback (aware of the presence of other students when giving negative feedback)

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

Passion/Commitment

The CDA Educator exemplifies a CDA who embodies all of the following characteristics:

They are enthusiastic about being a CDA and the profession

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are genuinely interested in the topic they are teaching

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are proud of how teaching contributes to the future of the CDA profession

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are invested in student success

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are supportive of student learning/success/mental health

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

Professionalism

The CDA Educator exemplifies a CDA who embodies all of the following characteristics:

They are an example (expectations for students are mirrored in their appearance and conduct)

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are life-long learners

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

Their actions are ethical

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are accountable for their commitments

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are honest in what they say and do

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They are on time for scheduled meetings and classes

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

They exercise reflective practice in their work

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

Responds to student emails in a timely manner

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

Doesn't let their personal problems affect their time teaching in the classroom

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

Doesn’t show favoritism while teaching

Excellent: All of the time, with great results
Good: Most of the time, with good results
Fair: Some of the time, with inconsistent results
Poor: Very few examples of when this was done well, if at all

What would you like to share about this educator personally?

If you would like to be entered in a draw for a $20 gift card, please indicate your name and email: *

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Last

Email *

Without sharing your name, do we have permission to share positive feedback with your educators? This will only be shared if you say yes here. No student names will be shared at any time.