Teaching Professor of Distinction

Nomination deadline: March 31

Nomination Process

Click here for a list of awarded Teaching Professors of Distinction!

Eligibility for Distinction

  • Principal Instructors/Teaching Professors who have been exemplary teachers and members of the university community may beconsidered for the honorary title of “Teaching Professor of Distinction.” This will be a working title, with theindividual officially still holding the rank of Principal Instructor/Teaching Professor. The college will honor and feature its new Teaching Professors of Distinction at the annual A&S Faculty Recognition event, held in the spring.
  • The working title of Teaching Professor of Distinction will be given to a limited proportion of Principal Instructors/Teaching Professors to recognize a record of distinction. Since this title is an honor, there is no expectation that the granting of this title will occur at a particular point in theindividual’s career, nor is there an expectation that each Principal Instructor/Teaching Professor should seek this title. Although Principal Instructors/Teaching Professors may, as a matter of convenience, seek the honorary title ofTeaching Professor of Distinction at the point of regular reappointment and contract renewal, a Principal Instructor/Teaching Professor may seek this honorary title at any point in their contract. Materials for this honorary title can be submitted to the primary unit in the early fall, on a schedule consistent with normal reappointments and promotions to Principal Instructor/Teaching Professor.If someone is nominated for the title of “TeachingProfessor of Distinction”and then is not approved, that decision hasno implications for the individual’sstatus as a Principal Instructor/Teaching Professor; that individual could be nominated for the honorary title of Teaching Professor of Distinction again.

Expectations for the Honorary Title of Teaching Professor of Distinction

  • To determine whether an individual should be named Teaching Professor of Distinction, facultycommittees will examine the nominee’steaching record, together with theirservice and leadership (including outreach and engagement), to determine whether this is a record of distinction.
  • A “record of distinction” typically carries the expectation that the individual has made a major impact in the disciplinary unit and its students (e.g. on pedagogy and curriculum), one that likely extends to considerable impact on the campus generally and/or a role in national discussions.
  • Multiple measures of exemplary performance constituting a record of distinction should be used. Examples of multiple measures may include, but are not limited to:
    • A record of exemplary classroom teaching, including the following:
      • FCQ Instructor Summary
      • FCQ Summary for each course taught
      • Peer reviews of teaching
      • Letters from randomly solicited students
    • Course syllabi and exams
    • Contributions to course and curriculum development
    • Contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning, including the following:
      • Contributions to local or national workshops on teaching
      • Relevant publications such as textbooks, lab manuals, articles on pedagogy, etc.
      • Work that improves teaching across multiple units
      • Papers, posters, or presentations on pedagogical topics delivered at conferences
    • Evidence of student engagement, as evidenced, for example, through mentoringof students or service on honors thesis committees.
    • Leadership and service that have an impact on the unit, school/college, campusand/or national communities.
    • Outreach to communities and partners beyond the university, including non-profits,disadvantaged groups, that draws upon the instructor’s expertise.
    • Practitioner experience that supplements a teaching career.

Reviewed 25 February 2025