Social Work Faculty Member Receives University Teaching Award for Innovation in Teaching

Jessica Greil-Burkhart, an assistant teaching professor with the FSU College of Social Work, was awarded a 2024-25 University Teaching Award for Innovation in Teaching from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The award honors faculty who invest considerable time and effort into transforming the learning experiences they provide for their students.

“Professor Greil-Burkhart is truly an amazing educator, social worker, role model, and human. Especially in an online graduate program, she goes above and beyond to ensure her students understand the material, practice their skills, and feel supported,” wrote her nominator, Anna Morera, a graduate student in the college’s Online MSW program. “She brings creativity to every aspect of the coursework and engages with students in multiple ways…She provides rich, meaningful content/educational materials, fosters deep connections with her students, and shapes the next generation of social workers in a profound way.”

Whether the classroom is in-person or online, Professor Greil-Burkhart focuses on interactive and experiential learning opportunities to bridge the gap between social work theory and practice.  “At the core of my teaching philosophy is the belief that learning should be immersive, interactive and applicable,” she stressed.

Utilizing the principles of Universal Design for Learning, a framework guiding the development of flexible learning environments/spaces with the goal of supporting a variety of learning styles, her teaching creates engaging, dynamic courses tailored to optimize learning for all students.

What makes her teaching unique is the incorporation of three principles:

• Using real-world cases from the social work field into the classroom for students to work from and through which they can apply instruction concepts in meaningful ways.
• Creating a student-led learning environment where students are engaged as colleagues and empowered to take ownership of their education.
• Incorporating new and innovative technology and resources to enhance teaching and student learning.

“Social work is not just about understanding theories; it is about implementing them in ways that create meaningful change,” emphasized Professor Greil-Burkhart. “Empathy, authenticity, and human connection are at the heart of the profession, and I strive to model those values in my teaching to create a supportive and engaging learning environment.”

Just a few of the tools she has utilized to heighten engagement and comprehension include the software Kaltura, Articulate 360, and Annoto.

Professor Greil-Burkhart also draws directly from her own experience in clinical social work. “I wanted to be a source of hope and agent of change for those facing mental health challenges and life crises. I found immense fulfillment in empowering clients and witnessing their growth,” she shared. “However, over time, I realized my passion extended beyond direct practice. I wanted to shape the next generation of social workers.”

She discovered this passion for supporting social work students as a field educator for undergraduate and graduate interns, providing licensure supervision and conducting community trainings on mental health and crisis intervention.

As an instructor, she teaches a variety of courses, which include seminars to support students in their field placements. “Teaching allows me to magnify my impact by preparing future clinicians to provide quality, ethical, and effective care while also keeping me engaged, knowledgeable, and connected in the evolving social work profession,” she emphasized.

She enjoys seeing her students gain confidence in their skills and experience.

“My shift into teaching felt natural,” she explained. “It still allows me to make a difference, just in a different way, ensuring students enter the profession prepared, competent, and confident.”