​Western Washington University Honors Dr. Debi Hanuscin with Excellence in Teaching Award

SMATE colleagues gathering around Dr. Debi Hanuscin, award recipient

Join SMATE in congratulating Dr. Debi Hanuscin!

Western Washington University has announced Dr. Debi Hanuscin as the recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to science education and her deep commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments.

Dr. Hanuscin, who holds a joint appointment in the Department of Elementary Education and the Science, Math, and Technology Education (SMATE) program, has played a pivotal role in advancing science education both at WWU and in the broader community. Since joining the university in 2017, she has led numerous initiatives aimed at improving teacher preparation and promoting culturally responsive teaching practices.

One of her most impactful projects is the NSF-funded “CREST: Culturally Responsive Elementary Science Teaching,” a three-year, $1.7 million initiative. The project integrates Indigenous ecological knowledge with Western science practices and provides professional development to local elementary teachers. Through collaborations with local school districts, tribal nations, and community organizations, the program aims to reach more than 1,700 students in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Dr. Hanuscin’s commitment to excellence is evident in her extensive body of work, including over 50 scholarly articles and several books. Her recent co-authored book, Universal Design for Learning Science, highlights strategies for creating inclusive elementary science classrooms and reflects her student-centered philosophy.

 

Her scholarship and leadership have earned national recognition, including the 2023 Outstanding Paper Award from the Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE), honoring the practical impact of her research on science teaching.

Locally, Dr. Hanuscin is deeply valued by her students for her support, mentorship, and unwavering dedication both inside and outside the classroom. Her students consistently note the profound impact she has had on their academic and personal growth, crediting her with helping shape their Western experience. Dr. Hanuscin is a tireless advocate for her students—and today, we enthusiastically celebrate her as she receives this well-deserved honor.

The Excellence in Teaching Award at WWU celebrates faculty who exemplify teaching excellence and a commitment to student success. Dr. Hanuscin’s innovative pedagogy, equity-focused practices, and student advocacy embody the spirit of this prestigious recognition.

For more information about Dr. Hanuscin’s work and the Excellence in Teaching Award, please visit the SMATE faculty page and the WWU President’s Office.