The John and Penelope Biggs Department of Classics is proud to congratulate Bayla Kamens, PhD student in Classics, on receiving a 2026 Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence in Arts & Sciences.
The Dean’s Awards for Teaching Excellence, awarded annually by the Office of Graduate Studies, recognize graduate student instructors whose teaching demonstrates advanced pedagogical skill and has a significant and lasting impact on student learning and engagement. Award recipients are nominated by their home departments through a competitive review process that highlights exemplary instructional practices across Arts & Sciences.
Bayla was selected for their outstanding contributions to undergraduate instruction in Classics and their innovative, student-centered approach to teaching ancient languages and material culture. They currently teach Beginning Latin, where they incorporate spoken Latin into every class session, helping students engage with the language as a living means of communication rather than solely a written text. This approach has been shown to strengthen comprehension, confidence, and long-term retention among beginning language learners and reflects Bayla’s commitment to inclusive and effective pedagogy.
In addition to their language teaching, Bayla piloted their own course, Ancient Mediterranean Textiles, in the previous academic year. The course brought together literary sources, archaeological evidence, and hands-on learning to explore textile production and its social, economic, and cultural significance in the ancient Mediterranean world. Students engaged directly with ancient techniques and materials, connecting ancient texts to embodied, experiential learning and bridging the gap between scholarship and practice. The course exemplified the kind of innovative pedagogy and interdisciplinary thinking highlighted by the Dean’s Award jury.
The Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes graduate instructors who develop innovative lessons and materials, refine feedback practices, and create inclusive learning environments that significantly enhance student engagement. Each award includes a $1,500 prize, a certificate, and formal recognition by Arts & Sciences.
Bayla’s achievement reflects both their dedication to teaching excellence and the strength of graduate instruction within the Department of Classics. We are delighted to see their work recognized at the university level and grateful for the impact they continue to have on WashU students.
Congratulations, Bayla!
