UConn Advance - January 30, 2006 - Nominations sought for faculty, TA teaching awards

The Advisory Board of the Institute for Teaching & Learning is seeking nominations from faculty and academic administrators for the 2006-2007 University Teaching Fellows.

The Institute will honor up to four such Fellows. They will be named at a dinner on April 24, and will receive medallions during the undergraduate commencement in May. Each will receive a stipend of $3,000 to be used in support of instructional programs.

Teaching Fellows engage in a number of teaching and learning activities, including participating in workshops developed by the Institute for Teaching & Learning; allowing teaching assistants and new faculty to visit their classrooms; and serving as mentors for other faculty.

It is suggested that the nominator prepare a cover sheet outlining the case in broad terms, while adding the particulars in the format of the nomination form. Some sections ask for the candidate’s details, to be provided by the candidate to the nominator. The form is available from Edye Gucwa at 860-486-2686 or from http://www.itl.uconn.edu/program/awards.htm

Nominations (original and six copies) must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 3 at: Teaching Fellow Awards, Institute for Teaching & Learning, CUE Building, Room 333, U-2142.

Nominations are also sought for the 2006 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards. These awards recognize pre-doctoral teaching assistants who demonstrate excellence in the classroom or laboratory.

The value of each Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award is $500.

The criteria used to determine the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards should include evidence of effective instructional skills; excellent interpersonal skills; provides practical feedback; contributes to the development of the instructional program.

Evidence may include: statement of teaching philosophy (specific more than abstract, one page maximum); letters of reference and comments from students and faculty; indication of attendance at teaching workshops and programs; evidence of growth, development, and innovation in teaching and learning activities; the creation of excellent learning materials. Nominations may be made by faculty or senior administrators only.

Send original and four copies of nomination and supporting documentation to Outstanding TA Awards, Institute for Teaching & Learning, CUE Building, Room 333, U-2142, to be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 3. Awards will be presented at a dinner on April 24. For more information, call 860-486-2686.