Liz Charles, renowned champion of student-centered education at Dawson College, retired this February after decades of pioneering classroom innovations.

This milestone caps a distinguished career highlighted by her recent receipt of the 2025 Prix Gérald-Sigouin from the AQPC, as detailed in this story.

Liz began teaching at Dawson in 1986 in the Photography Department and was key in the development of the Dawson Active Learning Community (DALC) and SALTISE. She was given the title of Dawson Scholar in Residence before she retired on Feb. 13.

Colleagues shared heartfelt tributes to mark her retirement:

Interim Director General and Academic Dean Leanne Bennett: “Liz Charles has been at the heart of the Dawson community, helping to shape the culture and spirit of our College. Her vision and leadership were instrumental in advancing active learning pedagogy, transforming classrooms into dynamic, student-centered spaces. Liz’s relentless pursuit of teaching excellence has enriched the learning experiences of thousands of students at Dawson and beyond, while inspiring generations of educators across Quebec.”

Chair of Photography Laurel Breidon: “You can blame it on Liz. I became a teacher because Liz decided I could be one. When she first asked me to teach a course, I said no — absolutely not. Public speaking and I were not friends. The idea of standing in front of a room full of people sounded like a personal nightmare.

“Then many years ago, we co-taught a workshop together, and I guess that’s where it all began. She saw something in me that I definitely did not see in myself. And she didn’t just see it — she insisted on it.

“Her belief in me changed the direction of my life. It nudged me onto a path I never would have chosen on my own, and yet it turned out to be exactly where I was meant to be.

“When I say I couldn’t have done it without her, I truly mean it. Liz didn’t just encourage me — she helped me become who I am today.”

Pedagogical Counsellor Azra Khan: “I was struck by Liz’s dedication to creating avenues where teachers could meet to talk about pedagogical strategies and in particular active learning at Dawson. I was invited as a ped counsellor and I witnessed these passionate teachers, talking about their teaching approaches, their aspirations and exploring learning sciences research and practitioner collaborations. It’s been such a pleasure to work with her and other teachers over the years on the SALTISE annual conference, the early days of writing for their S4 grant, teacher awards and many other initiatives. Liz’s role at Dawson may be shifting but I’ll be happy to continue working with her since her unique brand of dedication and collaborative spirit doesn’t ‘retire.’ ”

Physics Faculty member and active learning collaborator Chris Whittaker:

“No one has done more to impact learning and teaching at Dawson in the past two decades. She is at the origin and heart of Dawson’s focus on advancing evidence-based pedagogy (see Strategic Plan), active learning classrooms (ALCs), and pedagogical capacity building through the Dawson Active Learning Community (DALC).

“She was the germination point for Dawson education research, and over twenty years has been the driving force behind learning science research that brought together and developed researchers at John Abbott, Vanier, McGill, Concordia, and Université de Montréal. Since 2005, Liz has brought millions of dollars of research and development funds to Dawson through grants from programs like PAREA and EQC.

“As the heart and soul of SALTISE, Liz has created and nourished a uniquely valuable and internationally respected community of researchers and practitioners that has tangible impacts in classrooms across the island of Montreal, the province, and beyond – including the annual SALTISE Conference that started in 2012, and now regularly attracts more than 500 participants per year.

“As a person, Liz is insightful, supportive, fearless, and tireless. She has pushed and supported individuals, institutions, and systems to change for the better, and she has created a legacy that will continue to drive impactful change for years and decades to come.”