An innovative teacher and mentor is being awarded with a Distinguished Teaching Award from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
Michael Pope has taught at the KPU Wilson School of Design for over two decades, where he has made a lasting impact on both his students and the wider university community.
Michael first joined the KPU community as a student in the early 90’s, graduating with a diploma in Fashion and Technology. After working in the fashion industry for eight years, a colleague reached out with a teaching opportunity at a private school.
“I walked out of that classroom on my first day and knew this is what I have to do. It was instantaneous, like one of those moments that you read about in novels,” he says. “Until then, I thought I would be in the industry my entire life, but teaching, from day one, felt so meaningful.”
A few years later, he was drawn back to KPU — this time to complete the newly expanded Fashion and Technology bachelor’s program, while simultaneously earning a teaching credential. After graduating in 2003, he immediately began teaching at KPU.
I’m beyond honored to be receiving this award. I don’t have words for it. You go to work every day and work hard and you have moments of unbelievable joy and moments of unbelievable frustration, and then to have this happen is just, it’s just amazing,
Michael Pope — Wilson School of Design
Over the past two decades, Michael has cultivated a supportive, engaging and hands-on learning environment and has fostered curiosity, creativity and personal growth among his students.
“Michael was the first teacher I met when I began the program, and his influence has remained a guiding presence throughout my academic and professional journey,” says KPU student Mehdi Abbasi. “His dedication to teaching, encouragement of students and unwavering passion for education have left a lasting impression on me and many of my peers.”
Faculty colleagues echo similar sentiments, adding that his collaborative spirit has made co-teaching a positive experience.
“I have firsthand experience with how he maintains a perfect balance of professionalism, knowledge, humour and respect, which has entirely shifted my perception of what co-teaching can and should be,” says instructor Lesley Pollard. “When we teach together, our students and the two of us experience that rare flow that, as educators, we strive to achieve but is often hard to attain.”
Beyond the classroom, Michael has played a pivotal role in shaping the KPU Wilson School of Design through curriculum development, program reviews, committee work and more. Additionally, his leadership in organizing and co-leading international field schools in New York, London and Paris has provided students with invaluable experiential learning opportunities.
KPU’s Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes remarkable teaching as demonstrated by activities such as the development of new courses and curricula, contributions to the scholarship of teaching, development of effective teaching methods, enrichment of the learning environment at KPU and contributions that improve the teaching of colleagues.
