Teaching Excellence Awards

Recognizing Excellence

Is there an instructor who has inspired you or a professor that has gone that extra mile to ensure your success in a program or course? Do you have a teacher’s assistant that is passionate about assisting students?

Since 1984, your SU has invited students to nominate U of C instructors who have had a positive impact on their learning experience and academic careers. The SU Teaching Excellence Awards is the only campus-wide recognition program for those instructors who make a long-lasting impact on students. Most importantly, students determine the nominees and winners adding to the significance and importance of the recognition.

Criteria

Excellent teachers are chosen for their ability to communicate broad and accurate knowledge of the subject matter, as well as for their self-confidence and ability to create enthusiasm among students. Other criteria include success at challenging students, ability to cultivate creative thinking on the part of students, availability for consultation outside of class along with fairness and consistency in grading.

Making a Nomination

Nominations are accepted throughout the year with program deadlines set for the spring, summer, fall and winter semesters. Nominees must have a minimum of 5 nominations to be officially considered. You can complete your online nomination or drop by the SU office.

The SU TEA Committee reviews all nominations from students as well as how the nominee personifies the program criteria. Winners are announced in the spring along with a formal awards ceremony.

Teaching Excellence Awards Ceremony

Each April, your SU holds the annual Teaching Excellence Awards ceremony. It is at this ceremony that TEA winners are presented with their award as well as the opportunity for students to speak publicly about the winner’s impact on their academic lives. Check out our most recent winners and some photos of various TEA Awards Ceremonies.

Teaching Excellence Awards Hall of Fame

An instructor who has a positive impact over a semester is good. An instructor who consistently positively influences students year after year is exceptional. Our TEA Awards Hall of Fame has a listing of our multiple award winners.