Recognize UTC Faculty with Think Achieve Award

Have any of you had a professor who you would like to see recognized for exceptional teaching and engagement beyond the classroom?   If so, read on, as there is an opportunity to nominate faculty below:

ThinkAchieve: Beyond the Classroom is accepting nominations for 2018 faculty awards. The Faculty Awards Program provides recognition and monetary awards for faculty members who have demonstrated exemplary teaching and learning practices through contributions to experiential learning at UTC.  The outcomes of ThinkAchieve: Beyond the Classroom are for UTC students to, over the course of their university experience, increase their overall critical thinking skills as exhibited by the ability to identify, evaluate, and  interpret information; solve problems, develop innovative solutions through creative thinking; communicate ideas and information effectively; and seek ongoing improvement to integrate knowledge and skill through reflection on their thinking and learning processes. Awards to faculty are made annually at $1,000 each.

Selection  Criteria: Any part-time or full-time faculty member who has been teaching at UTC for at least 2 years may be nominated. The selection committee will look for evidence of a strong teaching record and a commitment to the student learning outcomes as outlined above. The awards committee will seek evidence that nominees:

·        Actively and regularly participate in ThinkAchieve activities (for example: faculty development, ThinkAchieve new student orientation sessions, HIP grants, Beyond the Classroom designated courses, CAT grading, etc.);

·        Excel at teaching and value learning. This may be demonstrated through activities that advance best practices in teaching and learning in the classroom and beyond the classroom with a focus on experiential learning.

Nomination Process: UTC faculty members, staff, and students are encouraged to nominate candidates. Nominators should submit the ThinkAchieve Cover Sheet and a nomination letter.  Nomination letters should introduce the candidate and provide information that supports the selection criteria outlined above. Nominators are strongly encouraged to submit additional supporting materials such as letters of support (up to two) and course materials (examples of coursework, projects, syllabi, etc.) that highlight how the faculty member incorporates activities that engage students in critical thinking and experiential learning. Students submitting nominations may contact Bengt-Carlson@utc.edu for assistance in providing supplementary materials.  The cover sheet, letter, and supporting materials should be sent electronically to wctl@utc.edu by March 9, 2018.