U.S. Professor of the Year Awards

The U.S. Professors of the Year program salutes the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country-those who excel in teaching and positively influence the lives and careers of students. Sponsored by CASE and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, it is the only national program to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring.

All undergraduate teachers in the United States, of any academic rank at any type of undergraduate institution, are eligible for the award. Entries are judged by top U.S. educators and other active participants in education.

Eligibility

Nominees must have taught at the undergraduate level, part- or full-time, for at least one semester in the 2009-10 academic year; materials primarily should reflect work with undergraduate students.

Nominator must be a colleague of the candidate or an administrator at the candidate's institution.

Individuals can win in their state only once but can reapply to enter at the national level at any time. Only three nominations will be accepted per institution. Self-nominations and nominations by students are not accepted.

Selection Criteria

Extraordinary dedication to undergraduate teaching, which is demonstrated by excellence in the following areas:

• Impact on and involvement with undergraduate students (25 percent)
• A scholarly approach to teaching and learning (25 percent)
• Contributions to undergraduate education in the institution, community and profession (25 percent)
• Support from colleagues and former undergraduate students (25 percent)

Award Process

Each institute may nominate up to three professors. An initial panel selects 100 semifinalists then a second panel determines six finalists in each of four categories: baccalaureate colleges; community colleges; doctoral and research universities; and master's universities and colleges. A third and final panel selects the national and state winners

Awards

Each national winner receives $5000 from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. and invitation to speak at the November awards celebration, and the opportunity to participate in public relations activities and workshops that highlight the importance teaching

Each state-level winner receive complimentary attendance for two at the November awards luncheon and Congressional reception and inclusion on the U.S. Professors of the Year website

Timeline

For more information

U.S. Professors of the Year Website

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