Annual faculty awards: Amanda Ribeiro Wobido, DDS

Amanda Ribeiro Wobido, DDS, is a recipient of the UNMC Faculty Senate’s Outstanding Teacher Award.

• Name: Amanda Ribeiro Wobido, DDS
• Title: Assistant professor, Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry, UNMC College of Dentistry
• Joined UNMC: August 2021
• Hometown: Brasilia, Brazil

What are the greatest rewards of teaching?

One of the greatest rewards of teaching is witnessing how much students can learn and improve in a short amount of time. Seeing their growth and progress is profoundly fulfilling, and it’s what makes teaching such a rewarding profession.

Describe a moment in your career when you realized you had picked the right occupation.

An important moment in my career occurred when I witnessed one of my first mentees presenting their project with confidence and clear knowledge of the subject. Seeing their passion and expertise in action reminded me of the impact that effective teaching and mentorship can have, sparking a sense of fulfillment and reaffirming my commitment to education. At that moment, I knew I had made the right decision for my career.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a teacher?

As an educator, one of the biggest challenges I face is accommodating all the different learning styles present in the classroom. It’s a continuous effort to create inclusive learning environments where every student feels supported and engaged.

How do you know when you’ve been successful as a teacher?

As a teacher, I know I’ve been successful when I see my students succeed independently, without needing my direct assistance. It’s a rewarding moment when they take what they’ve learned and become teachers themselves, sharing their experiences with peers and helping them understand complex concepts. Witnessing this transfer of knowledge and seeing my students confidently take on the role of educators give me the feeling I have been successful as a teacher.