Geo Teachers of the Year: Alissa Kotowski and Lennart de Groot

Alissa Kotowski and Lennart de Groot, both teachers in Earth Sciences, are the lucky winners of the Geo Teacher Awards 2025. On Wednesday 11 December, both received this prize, consisting of 1,500 euros to spend on work-related matters.

Of the seven lecturers nominated by our study associations, Lennart de Groot won the Geo Outstanding Teacher Award 2025 and Alissa Kotowski won the Geo Teacher Talent Award 2025. Congratulations!

The jury was impressed by all the nominations, particularly highlighting the nominees' dedication to creating an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. It is uplifting to witness the appreciation they receive from both students and colleagues for their efforts.

Winner Teacher Talent of the year: Alissa Kotowski

With her enthusiasm and expertise, Alissa makes complex concepts accessible. Her teaching focuses on promoting systems thinking, and she creates inclusive and supportive learning environments. Alissa's personal and research-driven assignments inspire active learning. In the field, she is an approachable mentor who fosters collaboration and self-confidence. Her dedication to curriculum innovation and supporting students makes her an inspiring and valued teacher.

Excerpt from jury report

Alissa's teaching style is characterized by its structure, logic, and well-paced delivery, fostering a high level of student interaction. Through a blend of systems-based and challenge-oriented learning, she empowers her students to develop critical thinking skills and embrace systems thinking, emphasizing the interconnectedness of natural and societal processes. Students often express how Alissa's enthusiasm transforms their perspectives, enabling them to appreciate the intricate processes of our planet and instilling in them the confidence to tackle real-world challenges.

Alissa is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment. During her PhD in the USA, she led field classes for minority-majority high school students. By integrating hands-on workshops, individual projects, and collaborative challenge-based learning, she significantly increased student engagement and interest in pursuing geoscience. Currently, she is developing Interactive Virtual Field Trips, making field learning accessible to all students, regardless of physical or geographic limitations.

Winner Outstanding Teacher of the Year: Lennart de Groot

Lennart creates an inclusive and stimulating learning environment within Earth Sciences where students feel heard and valued. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he knows how to present dry mathematical material in an engaging way. Lennart is very attentive to student well-being and always offers a listening ear. He guides students from first-year undergraduates to PhD candidates at the highest level. Additionally, he is involved in science communication, including through the 'Hoe?Zo! Show.'

Excerpt from jury report

By setting high expectations, Lennart not only encourages his students to grow in their subject knowledge but also provides space for their personal and academic development. He expects a lot from his students: a serious attitude, active engagement, and a willingness to critically examine the material.

Lennart plays an important role during the first-year fieldwork. It is incredibly enjoyable, but fieldwork also means long days under challenging conditions, requiring intensive collaboration. Lennart provides structure and clarity, teaching his students how to conduct themselves in the field. When problems arise, he has not only angelic patience but also a listening ear and an eye for the person behind the student. As a result, last year, the students quickly adopted the motto: "If you go into the field with Lennart, it's going to be a good day!"