Prime Highlights:
Karl Weiss, professor and simulation educator at Conestoga College’s School of Health & Life Sciences, awarded the 2024 Aubrey Hagar Distinguished Teaching Award.
Weiss has been with Conestoga since 2007 and is known for integrating simulation-based teaching, enhancing learning experiences across multiple programs.
Key Background:
Karl Weiss, a professor and simulation educator at Conestoga College’s School of Health & Life Sciences, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Aubrey Hagar Distinguished Teaching Award. This recognition, presented during the college’s winter convocation on February 26, highlights Weiss’ exceptional contributions to teaching and learning.
The Aubrey Hagar Distinguished Teaching Award, established in 1988, is named in memory of Aubrey Hagar, a distinguished teacher, mentor, and innovator who served on Conestoga’s founding Board of Governors for over two decades. The award acknowledges outstanding educators who exemplify excellence in teaching and mentorship.
Weiss, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from McGill University, a Respiratory Therapy diploma from The Michener Institute, and a Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education from Athabasca University, joined Conestoga College in 2007. In addition to his academic role, he continues to practice part-time as a respiratory therapist at Cambridge Memorial Hospital.
An advocate for the use of simulation in education, Weiss has been instrumental in developing teaching tools that enhance the learning experience. His resources are widely utilized across Conestoga’s Health & Life Sciences and Community Services programs. Weiss is known for his practical, student-centered teaching approach, which integrates field experience and considers the psychological impact of simulation-based training. He also develops gamification techniques to support student learning and ensure a positive, engaging educational experience.
Beyond his teaching duties, Weiss contributes to the broader respiratory therapy community. He serves as educational director on the Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario’s board of directors, is a founding member of the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists’ Simulation Network, and frequently presents at national conferences. His professional achievements and ongoing mentorship leave a lasting impact on both current students and alumni. The Aubrey Hagar Distinguished Teaching Award, which Weiss received, is a testament to his dedication to education and his significant influence on the field of respiratory therapy.
