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Outstanding Faculty Awards Committee Worksheet
INDIVIDUAL UNDER GRAD & GRAD TEACHING A WARDS
Criteria for these awards are largely qualitative. The information linked to the nomination form is on the back of this page.
CRITERIA/ CHARACTERISTICS NOMINEE SOLID EVIDENCE/ CONCRETE EXAMPLE OF HOW THEY MEET
teach effectively, inspire enthusiasm for learning,
arouse curiosity & stimulate independent &
critical thinking?
set high expectations, help students to meet
them & provide worthwhile feedback to students
on their learning?
show respect & concern for students, offering
them effective & sympathetic guidance?
demonstrate thorough knowledge of their
subject matter including recent developments in
their field?
organize the course material & present it
cogently and imaginatively?
use innovative design & delivery of course
content?
have an interest in current & effective
approaches to teaching & a willing to try new
ideas?
provide learning opportunities that extend
beyond the classroom?
(for graduate/ professional awards) effectively guide
students in the kinds of research &/or creative
activity expected of them as professionals?
(for graduate/professional awards) provide a positive
role model for young scholars in the discipline?
CRITERIA/ CHARACTERISTICS
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These characteristics describe many good teachers, but there are other traits as well and teachers may merit an award on various bases.
Individual teaching awards honor undergraduate and graduate or professional teachers who meet a high standard. You can best support
your candidate for the award by addressing the strongest characteristics of good teaching you believe they possess. When you address these
characteristics provide solid evidence and concrete examples to build the strongest case. Think in terms of constructing a clear and
persuasive argument for how and why your candidate does what the criteria specifies and therefore is deserving of the award. It helps to
avoid vague, generalized statements ("She inspires enthusiasm for learning.") that do not convey in a clear and tangible way how that
enthusiasm is inspired. What specifically happens in that teacher's class that builds a desire to learn in students? Give illustrations. Tell a
brief story. If you believe the faculty member in question shows respect and concern for students, go beyond making a simple statement to
that effect and give concrete evidence: what kinds of behaviors and activities illustrate this attitude? Can you speak to the experience of a
particular student or class? What takes place in his or her classroom that clearly conveys that respect?