An educator's educator

Dr. Timothy Murnen named Master Teacher

By: Bonnie Blankinship

Not only does he teach education, Dr. Timothy Murnen models the role of an educator — constantly seeking new knowledge while striving to provide his students an optimal learning experience. In recognition of his contributions to his students’ growth, they have chosen him as the 2013 Master Teacher.

Considered Bowling Green State University’s highest honor for teaching because students choose the recipient, the Master Teacher award comes with $1,000 and a commemorative plaque. Murnen, an associate professor in the School of Teaching and Learning, was recognized at the annual Faculty Awards ceremony April 10.

A specialist in reading and language arts education, Murnen has taught at BGSU for 11 years. One of his student nominators wrote, “His dedication to education and language arts has had a noticeable impact on me. This year, I have the honor of being Dr. Murnen’s student for Methods and Student Teaching. In this crucial stage of professional development, Dr. Murnen’s knowledge and passion have helped me grow as an educator and as an adult. One of the most impressive things about Dr. Murnen is the fact that he does everything he possibly can to form his students into effective educators.”

This includes bringing to his teaching “years of real life experience working with students,” a nominator wrote. “Dr. Murnen knows how to prepare his students for a career in education – he has previously taught secondary classes and actively searches for strategies that get students actively engaged and thinking about class content.”

Students said they benefit from the quantity of “applicable teaching resources and strategies that Dr. Murnen has. From making assessments to teaching ‘process drama,’ Dr. Murnen gives his students a wealth of knowledge that they can actually use in their own classroom.”

Murnen also models engagement with his department and profession, the nominators wrote, noting his participation as committee chair for numerous master’s degree candidates and his service on other committees.

In addition, “He has been an academic advisor in his department since 2003 and has worked on several large research projects pertaining to innovative teaching and improvement,” another wrote.

“Aside from teaching classes throughout the week, he is also willing to meet with his students when they need advice regarding classes and their professional development,” according to one student. “I can personally vouch that he is a phenomenal professor and deserves the Master Teacher Award."