The University of Texas at Dallas recently honored five educators with annual President’s Teaching Excellence Awards, while 48 others were recognized for their completion of a national classroom teaching course.
“Teachers have such a great influence on their students,” said UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson, the Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership. “We are so fortunate to have some of the most committed and innovative instructors in the country on our campus.”
The teaching excellence awards committee receives hundreds of nominations every year and considers a broad spectrum of eligible candidates from across the University. The award comes with a stipend, and recipients are presented with medallions.
This year’s honorees represent the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
What was the best part of your teaching experience this year?
By midterm in spring, one-third of my students had interviews or internship offers. I was excited to hear about their successes and honored that they shared the news with me.
What helped you become successful this year?
Much of my success is because of the people with whom I work. We are a close community of instructors who collaborate well, challenge each other and invest in our students together.
What would the students be surprised to find out about you?
I went to graduate school to improve my editing skills. I did not anticipate becoming a professor. One of my professors invited me to teach a class. I’m so glad that professor saw potential in me and challenged me to do something new.
What is one of your hidden talents?
I love to sing. I studied piano, voice and opera, and, when my children were young, I performed on the stage in community theater.
What is the most rewarding part of teaching?
Nothing is better than seeing a student “get it” or hearing about their successes. One of my favorite days is commencement, when I get to see the students succeed.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to improve their online teaching abilities?
Online teaching requires a simple, consistent, predictable structure that students can use to work through the course materials in a logical fashion. Additionally, online teaching requires that the instructor be committed to regular and skilled communication.