VYY granted the Best Teacher awards 2025

The Student Union of the University of Vaasa awarded distinguished teaching staff at the Anniversary Celebration of the University of Vaasa on 27 January 2026. The criteria for the awards were set by the VYY Advocacy Committee in their meeting on 16 December 2025. VYY’s Executive Board selected the awardees based on students’ nominations.

The Best Teacher Award 2025 was given to Otto Ellonen. In the selection criteria, the Student Union emphasized the teacher’s ability to use digital tools in remote and hybrid teaching and develop in-person teaching in an inspiring and pedagogically excellent way. Students thanked Ellonen for fairness, ability to explain difficult concepts clearly and interestingly, and the skill to utilize Moodle in teaching in a versatile way.

The Honorary Mention 2025 was awarded to Mirjam Särs. The criteria highlighted a teacher’s ability to advance learning by giving constructive, developmental feedback. Students’ reasoning pointed out Särs’ inspiring, skilled approach to teaching Swedish and the ability to listen and care about students as individuals.

The award for Best Thesis Supervisor 2025 was granted to Laura Perttola. The theme of the award was motivating, excellent Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis supervision and support to students through the thesis process. Students thanked Perttola for promptly reacting to questions, guiding students to useful databases and sources, and giving direct, developmental feedback.

VYY congratulates all awardees and the 58-year-old University of Vaasa!