Ajay Hirani honored with Outstanding Educator Award

November 28, 2024

We are excited to share that Ajay Hirani, Theory of Knowledge and Film teacher at UWC Maastricht, has received the Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago.

This recognition, awarded following a nomination from his former UWCM student Aidan Hollinger-Miles, honors teachers who make a meaningful impact on their students. Ajay recalls receiving the news, saying, “It brought me a smile and maybe even a couple of tears. It was a reminder that I’m doing something right.”

Reflecting on the honor, Ajay shared, “It’s special when something like this comes from a student. Teaching, for me, is about those one-on-one connections and personal contact. It reminds me of why I joined UWC.”

As an alumnus himself, Ajay’s journey with UWC Maastricht is personal. “UWC opened doors I never knew existed,” he says. “It made me more aware, more critical and left a mark I felt compelled to pass on.” Since joining the school in 2014, Ajay has helped shape the Film and Theory of Knowledge classes, creating a classroom environment that encourages students to engage in discussion and develop critical thinking skills.

A memorable moment for Ajay came last year when the graduating class recreated nearly every poster in his classroom overnight, covering the walls with images of him edited onto the movie covers. “I walked in and saw a hundred versions of myself. The creativity and effort were incredible. Honestly, I was in awe,” he shared with a laugh. “The care and time they put into that… it’s the best gift you can get as a teacher.”

Ajay’s teaching philosophy centers on creating a learning environment where students feel empowered to take ownership of their education, ensuring his classes are tailored to each student’s needs. “My job,” he says, “is to facilitate a space where I can guide students as they explore, letting them choose the direction they want to go.”

Congratulations to Ajay for this outstanding achievement!