Erin Wentzell’s PT, DPT, DrPH innovative teaching recently earned the 2025 American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) Emerging Educator Award. This recognition honors early-career faculty who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and meaningful impact in physical therapy education. Wentzell believes in continually improving her teaching practices, whether that’s finding ways to engage with the community for experiential learning, or trialing alternative grading strategies.
Wentzell was nominated by colleagues from within the GW DPT program and was selected to win by educators from institutions across the country. Reflecting on the moment she learned she had received the award, she shared, “I was incredibly honored. It’s really special to be recognized by my peers.” For Wentzell, the award affirms not only her dedication to teaching, but also the collaborative spirit of the GW DPT community. “While the award went to me, it truly reflects the work we’ve built together as a department,” she emphasized.
A defining element of Wentzell’s impact has been her leadership in advancing community engagement within the curriculum. What once was an underlying value of the program has evolved into a signature strength. Through partnerships with local organizations and experiential learning opportunities, students move beyond traditional lectures and into real-world application—connecting classroom knowledge with meaningful service.
“My teaching philosophy is that we have to experience things to truly understand and value them,” Wentzell explained. “It’s easy to focus on grades and details when looking at a paper case. But when you’re working with real people, the value and meaning of our work becomes very clear.” She acknowledges that experiential learning can be less predictable than lecture-based instruction but believes that the richness and salience of those experiences leave a lasting impact on students.
GW DPT Program Director, Marisa Birkmeier, PT, DPT, DHSc had the honor of introducing Wentzell at the award presentation and described the recognition as well deserved. “I felt immensely privileged to introduce such an incredible person,” she shared. Having known Wentzell since her early days as a clinician, Birkmeier has witnessed her growth firsthand. “Her drive for excellence is infectious.She is intentional, collaborative, and deeply committed to improving her teaching to support student learning.”
Under Wentzell’s leadership, community engagement in the GW DPT program has flourished. Students have cultivated strong, bidirectional relationships with community partners, gaining not only clinical skills, but also a deeper understanding of advocacy, accessibility, and inclusion. She is well known throughout the D.C. community, reflecting her longstanding commitment to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to achieve their goals.
Beyond innovation, Wentzell is deeply passionate about inclusive education. She strives to create learning environments where every student feels seen and valued, and where diverse stories and lived experiences are represented in the educational process. “Education should be accessible and available to everyone,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities and learning differences within academic spaces.
The Emerging Educator Award highlights impact rather than tenure—recognizing faculty who are shaping the future of physical therapy education early in their careers. As Birkmeier explained, “Academia is challenging. There’s a lot to balance and learn. Recognizing early-career educators affirm that their work is seen and valued.”
When asked to describe Wentzell’s teaching in three words, Birkmeier did not hesitate to answer: “Energetic. Caring. Excellence.” Those qualities are evident not only in the classroom, but also in the culture of collaboration and service that continues to define GW DPT.
As she looks toward the future, Wentzell remains focused on growth. “I don’t sit still very well,” she shared with a smile. “I’m always thinking about how we can make each learning opportunity meaningful and impactful.” Through continued innovation, advocacy, and leadership development among her students, she aims to expand the program’s reach and deepen its community impact.
Wentzell’s recognition by ACAPT reflects the strength of the GW DPT program and its commitment to preparing compassionate, community-oriented clinicians. Her work exemplifies how education, when grounded in service and collaboration, can extend far beyond the classroom—strengthening both communities and the future of physical therapy.