UT student Edwin Kanis named teaching talent of the year

Four years of teaching experience alongside two master’s degrees

For over four years, Edwin has combined his role within Pre-U with pursuing a double master’s in Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics and a minor in Teaching at the UT Teacher Training program. The jury praised him for his broad and highly engaged commitment. In the jury report: “Edwin stands out for his involvement in lessons, guidance with profile projects, demonstrations during Science on Tour, and his role in developing teaching materials. He is proactive, delivers tailored support, works independently, and is a true team player. This sets him apart from the other candidates.”

Student engagement as a proven educational intervention

During the symposium, one message was central: student engagement in education works, and schools could start implementing it today. It is no longer seen as an experiment but as an approach with demonstrable results. This message was supported by findings from the new NRO study Promising Interventions. The study shows that employing students leads to better learning outcomes when proper attention is given to supervision and task distribution. The research states: “With careful implementation, attention to task allocation, and supervision of students, the StudentinzetopSchool intervention can make a meaningful contribution to improving student learning outcomes and reducing the perceived workload of teachers” (NRO, Promising Interventions, 2025). Pre-U actively contributed to this research: three regional schools participated, and 15 UT PAL student assistants were involved in the intervention.

Pre-U: student assistants as a driving force

Pieter Boerman, director of the University of Twente’s Pre-University program, sees the research results as recognition of what is visible every day: “For the UT Pre-University program, this study confirms what is visible in practice. Our organization intentionally works with a large number of student assistants because they provide a unique, fresh, and effective contribution to education. Their flexibility, curiosity, and ability to connect with students’ world strengthen education in a way that is both future-oriented and proven effective,” says Pieter Boerman.

Young talent inspires the technology students of tomorrow

The involvement of student assistants in Pre-U makes technology tangible and accessible to students. Through workshops, demonstrations, and guidance, young people experience how fun, relevant, and forward-looking technology is. They discover new applications and see young role models showing that a career in technology is achievable. This strengthens interest in technology and contributes to greater enrollment in technical programs, from secondary school to university.

More than a personal title

Edwin’s achievement highlights the importance of giving young talent the space to apply their skills in education. His development and impact serve as an example for the many student assistants who make a difference every day in classrooms in Twente and beyond.

About Pre-U

The University of Twente’s Pre-University program connects students and teachers with science, technology, and higher education. By linking UT expertise with the school curriculum, Pre-U helps students explore their talents and prepare for a successful academic career — from primary school through lifelong learning.