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PURPOSE

The Teaching Excellence Award (TEA) is presented annually* to a full-time faculty member to recognize sustained excellence in teaching that encourages students' intellectual curiosity and serves as a model for colleagues. The faculty make up a critical aspect of the quality of RCSJ's educational opportunities and experiences. The TEA is meant to recognize outstanding faculty performance, and to encourage continuation of excellence. 

*In the years that the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award is presented, the Teaching Excellence Award will be suspended that year. 

CRITERIA

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

• have at least eight semesters of full-time RCSJ teaching at the time of the nomination, the current semester not included, and not counting summer and winter sessions;
• have taught at least a ¾ load during each of the last eight semesters;
• have been evaluated at least once during the previous two academic years;
• have been involved in the design and/or coordination of courses;
• serve as a role model and leader for colleagues across the campus by participating in governance committees and RCSJ initiatives; and
• be an active participant on campus and professional associations.  Contributions to the profession at the campus, state, and national levels are considered.

REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR SUBMISSION

The Faculty Recognition Committee will review the following materials:

A letter of nomination, no more than two pages in length. The nominating letter should address the criteria listed below and include specific examples of teaching excellence:

1. Demonstrates a high degree of commitment to student learning, e.g., goes “the extra mile" in being available to students, preparing study materials, mentoring students, etc.
2. Fosters a love of learning and academic achievement in students; communicates his/her enthusiasm and passion for teaching and learning.
3. Respects students and what they bring to the learning environment.
4. Develops innovative teaching methods or materials; demonstrates leadership in teaching and collegial collaboration.
5. Uses alternative and/or creative teaching methods to meet the needs of students with diverse learning styles.
6. Contributes to positive student outcomes, e.g., successful transitions from developmental to degree programs, successful entrance to select curricula, successful transfer to baccalaureate programs or entry into workplace.
7. In addition to the letter of nomination, the following two letters should be submitted for consideration:

• One letter of support, not to exceed one page in length, from a peer faculty member or from the division dean.
• One letter of support, not to exceed one page in length, from a student.  The student should respond to four short questions:​
  

1. In what way does this teacher stand out in his/her ability to communicate course content?
2. How does this teacher demonstrate concern for the students' learning development?
3. How has this teacher contributed to your achievement and/or development of goals?
4. What will you remember about this teacher in ten years?

A recipient may not receive the award more than once every 10 years.

​PROCESS

• The Provost and Vice President of Academic Services will convene a Faculty Recognition Committee each January. 
• The Faculty Recognition Committee will be chaired by an Academic Dean and membership will consist of a volunteer faculty member from each Academic Division.
• Notification of the Teaching Excellence Award nomination period will be disseminated to the college community by the office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Services.
• Nomination materials are to be submitted to the office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Services by the end of March.
• The Provost and Vice President of Academic Services will forward all nomination materials to the chair of the Faculty Recognition Committee.
• The Faculty Recognition Committee will review all submitted materials and forward their recommendation to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Services by the end of April.
• The Provost and Vice President of Academic Services will forward the committee's recommendation to the President.
• The President will announce and present the award at Commencement.​​