University Teacher of the Year


The Teacher of the Year Award is given each year to recognize and emphasize excellence in teaching. Other scholarly activity such as research and publication records may become consideration in the selection process, but the main emphasis will be on teaching excellence as judged by faculty and students.

The dean is to appoint a committee with students, faculty, and administrative representation to select an outstanding teacher from the college. The Faculty Evaluation Committee then selects a "Teacher of the Year" from the seven college level nominees. This person is recognized at the annual Robins Award and receives a $2,000 cash award at the Graduation Exercises.

Criteria

The following criteria for selection of the nominees are recommended:

  • Excellence in teaching over at least three years as supported by standard University course evaluations and letters from peers.
  • The inclusion of other evidence of teaching excellence in addition to course evaluations and letters from peers.
  • Responsibility for a minimum of a six-credit annual assignment including at least one undergraduate course.
  • Evidence of creative teaching innovation.
  • Because so many individuals are potentially deserving of the University Teacher of the Year Award, past recipients will not be considered.

Nomination Materials

In order to provide greater uniformity in the nomination materials provided to the Committee, the following must be prepared:

  • A statement from the candidate summarizing his or her objectives as a teacher, and explaining how his or her pedagogy is designed to meet those objectives.
  • A summary of evaluation scores and enrollments for courses taught the last three years.
  • Letters of support from students. Maximum ten.
  • A letter of nomination from the department head spelling out the candidate=s teaching responsibilities and influence on teaching in the department.
  • A short CV that emphasizes teaching roles (including publications that relate to pedagogy).
  • An external observation of the teaching.
  • A sample syllabus.