The nomination period for the DTA is now open through October 23, 2024.
The Distinguished Teaching Award (DTA) honors exemplary teaching at UMass Amherst. Award recipients receive a monetary prize, and their names are inscribed on the DTA memorial wall in the Integrative Learning Center. Faculty recipients are awarded $3,500, and graduate students are awarded $2,000.
The review committees comprised of past DTA winners (faculty and graduate teaching assistants) review nominations in a two-step process prior to selecting five faculty (three tenure-track and two non-tenure-track) and two graduate teaching assistant awardees.
Eligibility
Tenure-track faculty, non-tenure-track faculty, and graduate teaching assistants are eligible for this highly-competitive award. Graduate and undergraduate students may nominate any instructor they have previously taken a course with or an instructor with whom they are currently enrolled in a course. Faculty may submit nominations for graduate teaching assistants.
Finalist Material Submissions
The nomination period for the 2023-24 Distinguished Teaching Award has closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the + to expand each item
Nomination process
-
I am a current student. Can I nominate an instructor I had in a previous semester?
Of course! You can nominate any current or previous instructor you have had at UMass Amherst, including graduate teaching assistants. -
I am a graduate of UMass Amherst. Can I nominate an instructor I had in a previous semester?
Unfortunately, only current UMass Amherst students (undergraduate or graduate) can nominate an instructor for the DTA. -
I am a faculty member. Can I nominate another faculty member for the DTA?
No—faculty can only nominate graduate teaching assistants for the DTA. -
I am an administrator (e.g., department chair/head, associate dean, etc.). Can I still be nominated for the DTA?
Yes—if the student nominator had you as an instructor, they can nominate you for the DTA.
DTA Finalist Materials
- What are the materials that finalists need to submit in order to be considered for the DTA?
Every DTA Finalist Package must contain the following eight (8) items for consideration of the award:
- 1-page, 1-sided teaching statement
- CV
- One (1) syllabus for a recently completed course
- Department head/chair letter
- Four (4) letters of support from current or previous students only (*this is a change effective for the 2022-23 award)
- What should I include in my teaching statement?
Please see the Tips for Writing a Teaching Statement item.
- Does my department chair/head letter count as one of my four (4) required letters of support?
No—your department chair/head letter is separate from the four (4) required letters of support.
- What happens if you receive more than four (4) letters of support?
If we receive more than four letters, the first four letters received will be those that the DTA Review Committee reads. We are trying to adhere to a limit to maintain equity across all finalists (i.e., all finalists have the same number of materials reviewed).
- Can two or more students write one letter?
Yes—students can jointly write one letter of support. However, please note that the letter will count as one (1) of your four (4) required letters of support, even if multiple students sign it.
- According to the DTA Review Committee, is it better to have current or former students write your letters of support?
It’s hard to provide definitive answers to these questions because the make-up of the DTA Review Committees changes each year, as does the weight they may apply to particular aspects of the letters. What we’ve observed in the past is that it’s the quality of the letter (e.g., student provides specific examples of what the DTA nominee does to support teaching and learning) that carries the most weight with the committees.
- What should students know about writing a letter of support?
There is no minimum or maximum word requirement for the letters. A general trend has been 1-2 pages, single-spaced. Students can address their letters to the DTA Review Committee. In their letter, they should speak to the criteria that the DTA Review Committee uses to score finalists, when appropriate. For student letter writers, the criteria most applicable would be the finalist's ability to make connections with students, their ability to teach all learners, and evidence as to what make the finalist a "distinguished teacher." Finally, students should include their names in their letter of support.
The Review Process
- Who serves on the DTA Review Committee?
There are three separate DTA Review Committees: one that reviews tenure-track finalists, one that reviews non-tenure-track finalists, and one that reviews graduate student finalists. Each committee is comprised of one tenure-track DTA winner, one non-tenure-track DTA winner, and one graduate student DTA winner.
- What criteria does the DTA Review Committee consider when they look at finalist materials?
Each committee member is asked to evaluate the finalists’ materials across five criteria: 1) Reflection and Professional Growth; 2) Making Connections with Students; 3) Ability to Teach All Learners; 4) Sustained Recognition of Teaching; and 5) What Makes This Finalist "Distinguished". First, committee members rate each finalist individually. Then, their scores are aggregated across the committee and members meet to discuss their ratings and select the DTA winner(s).
- When do the committees select the DTA Winner(s)?
Each committee usually convenes during the last week of March to discuss their ratings and select the winner(s), who are then notified of their award in early April.
Finalist Feedback
- I was not selected for a DTA this year. Can I get feedback on my materials?
Unfortunately, the CTL does not receive any targeted feedback from the DTA Review Committee on how applicants can improve their DTA materials. However, as a general trend, the student letters often hold the most weight with the committees. The committee composition changes each year and different committee members emphasize different aspects of a finalist’s materials in order to select the winner(s).
Strong teaching statements connect your goals for student learning, the alignment of your teaching methods to those goals, and how you measure student learning.
Statements should address the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that students should possess to be successful in your discipline, how your teaching approaches contribute to these goals, and how you know that your goals for students are met through assessments.
Strong teaching statements offer evidence of practice.
Statements should provide specific and personal examples and experiences instead of vague references to pedagogical buzzwords (e.g., “I use backward design to create new courses,” or “I use active learning approaches in my classroom.”). Be concise about your goals for student learning, specific about your teaching methods, and provide examples of the types of assessments you use to ensure that your learning goals are achieved.
Strong teaching statements convey reflectiveness.
Demonstrate that you are a thoughtful instructor by discussing your approach to instructional challenges and your plans for future pedagogical development.
Strong teaching statements communicate that you value teaching.
These values are evident through tone or language that convey enthusiasm and commitment, beyond simply stating, “I am enthusiastic about and committed to teaching.”
Strong teaching statements are learner-centered and attune to individual student differences.
Presenting concrete evidence of your awareness and attentiveness to student learning (not just course content) and how to effectively address student differences in the classroom.
Strong teaching statements discuss issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Your statement should include specific examples that reflect your awareness and attentiveness to student diversity, and highlight particular actions you have taken to ensure your classes are inclusive and welcoming to all students.
Strong teaching statements are clear and well-written.
Adapted from Meizlish, D., & Kaplan, M. (2008). Valuing and evaluating teaching in academic hiring: A multidisciplinary, cross-institutional study. The Journal of Higher Education, 79(5), 489-512.
Previous DTA winners
Click on the + to expand each item
2023-2024
- Michel Boucher (UWW - Department of Interdisciplinary Studies)
- Adena Calden (Mathematics and Statistics)
- Wei Fan (Chemical Engineering)
- David Schmidt (Mechanical and Industrial Engineering)
- Malcolm Sen (English)
2022–2023
- Caitlyn Butler (Civil and Environmental Engineering)
- Lena Fletcher (Environmental Conservation)
- Rebecca Lorimer Leonard (English)
- Sravan Surampudi (Chemistry)
- Torrey Trust (Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies)
2021–2022
- Jennifer Fronc (History)
- Beth Jakob (Biology)
- Caleb Rounds (Biology)
- Mazen Nous (English)
2020–2021
- Melissa A. Baker (Hospitality & Tourism Management)
- R. Mark Leckie (Geosciences)
- Lisa Modenos (University without Walls)
- Rae Walker (Nursing)
2019–2020
- Anne Broadbridge (History)
- Ramesh Sitaraman (Information & Computer Sciences)
- Leah Wing (Political Science)
- Tilman Wolf (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
2018–2019
- Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson (Biostatistics & Epidemiology)
- Nancy Noble (History of Art & Architecture)
- Kimberlee Perez (Communication)
- Charles Weems (Information & Computer Sciences)
2017–2018
- Asha Nadkarni (English)
- Jeffrey Podos (Biology)
- William Verts (Information & Computer Sciences)
- Kathryne Young (Sociology)
2016–2017
- Scott Auerbach (Chemistry)
- Jeffrey Davis (Chemical Engineering)
- Nathan Schnarr (Chemistry)
- Ian Walsh (Management)
2015–2016
- Katherine Beltaire (Veterinary & Animal Sciences)
- Claudio Moreira (Communication)
- David McLaughlin (Electric and Computer Engineering)
- Teresa Ramsby (Classics)
2014–2015
- Lorraine Cordeiro (Nutrition)
- William Leonard (Electric and Computer Engineering)
- Megan Lewis (Theater)
- Dhandapani Venkataraman (Chemistry)
2013–2014
- Andy Danylchuk (Environmental Conservation)
- Heath Hatch (Physics)
- Ruth Jennison (English)
- Lynn Klock (Music & Dance)
2012–2013
- Christian Appy (History)
- Catherine Benincasa (Mathematics & Statistics)
- Elizabeth Connor (Biology)
- Robert Nakosteen (Operations & Information Management)
2011–2012
- Justin Fermann (Chemistry)
- Linda Isbell (Psychological & Brain Sciences)
- Stephen Purdy (Veterinary & Animal Sciences)
- Thomas Vacanti (Music & Dance)
2010–2011
- Carey Dimmitt (Student Development)
- Farshid Hajir (Mathematics & Statistics)
- Mako Koyama-Hartsfield (Asian Languages)
- Jillian Schwedler (Political Science)
2009–2010
- Michael Barnes (Chemistry)
- Joseph Black (English)
- Shelley Velleman (Communication Disorders)
- Michael Whiteman (Accounting)
2008-2009
- Scott Garman (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology)
- Thomas Hannum (Music & Dance)
- Eileen Hayes (Nursing)
- John McCarthy (Linguistics)
2007-2008
- Zane Barlow (Biology)
- John Gerber (Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences)
- Richard Minear (History)
- Wilmore Webley (Microbiology)
2006-2007
- Guy Blaylock (Physics)
- Barry Braun (Kinesiology)
- Dennis Goeckel (Electrical & Computer Engineering)
2005-2006
- Neal Anderson (Electrical & Computer Engineering)
- Walter Denny (Art History)
- Randall Phillis (Biology)
2004-2005
- Naomi Gerstel (Sociology)
- Robert Marx (Management)
- Nicolas McBride (Communication)
2003-2004
- David Adams (Chemistry)
- Hanlyn Davies (Art)
- Emma Rivera-Rabago (Spanish & Portuguese)
2002-2003
- Carlin Barton (History)
- Ray Pfeiffer (Accounting)
- Glenn Wong (Sport Management)
2001-2002
- Alexandrina Deschamps (Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies)
- Michael Morgan (Communication)
- Ronald Story (History)
2000-2001
- Robert Faulkner (Sociology)
- Robert Sullivan (Germanic Languages & Literatures)
- Susan Whitbourne (Psychology)
1999-2000
- Sut Jhally (Communication)
- Marios Philippides (Classics)
- William Vining (Chemistry)
1998-1999
- Mzamo Mangaliso (Management)
- Stella Volpe (Nutrition)
- Michael Williams (Geosciences)
1997-1998
- Laurie Godfrey (Anthropology)
- Robert Hallock (Physics & Astronomy)
- Stephen Resnick (Economics)
1996-1997
- David Arnold (Psychology)
- Nina Scott (Spanish & Portuguese)
- Anne Simon (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology)
- Richard Yarde (Art)
1995-1996
- Deborah Carlin (English)
- Michael Malone (Chemical Engineering)
- Gail Schumann (Plant Pathology)
- David Van Blerkom (Astronomy)
1994-1995
- Robert Ackermann (Philosophy)
- Margo Culley (English)
- Richard Rogers (Resource Economics)
1993-1994
- William Bramlage (Plant & Soil Sciences)
- Ronnie Janoff-Bulman (Psychology)
- Paula Stamps (Public Health)
1992-1993
- Robert French (English)
- Karen List (Journalism)
- T. Michael Peters (Entomology)
1991-1992
- Walter Chestnut (Music & Dance)
- Fred Feldman (Philosophy)
- George Howe (Veterinary & Animal Sciences)
1990-1991
- Martha Olney (Economics)
- Josephine Ryan (Nursing)
- Charles Smith (English)
1989-1990
- Frank Kaminsky (Industrial Engineering)
- Arthur Kinney (English)
- Jerome Myers (Psychology)
1988-1989
- Susan Cocalis (Germanic Languages)
- Adnan Hayder (Judaic & Near Eastern Studies)
- George Parks (Music & Dance)
1987-1988
- Dorrance Hill (Afro-American Studies)
- Richard Konicek (Education)
- Howard Peters (Public Health)
1986-1987
- Portia Elliot (Education)
- Bernard Morzuch (Resource Economics)
- Fred Robinson (English)
1985-1986
- John Chandler (Chemistry)
- Judith Goodenough (Zoology)
- Charlotte Spivack (English)
1984-1985
- J. Nicholas Filler (General Business & Finance)
- Louis Greenbaum (History)
- Clement Seldin (Education)
1983-1984
- Andy Anderson (Sociology)
- Julius Lester (Afro-American Studies)
- Seymour Shapiro (Botany)
1982-1983
- Richard Halgin (Psychology)
- Earl McWhorter (Chemistry)
- Richard Simpson (Accounting)
1981-1982
- Alexander Chajes (Civil Engineering)
- Charles Moran (English)
- Curtis Thorne (Microbiology)
1980-1981
- Stephen Oates (History)
- David Schuman (Education)
- Richard Wolff (Economics)
1979-1980
- Joyce Berman (History)
- Arnold Friedmann (Art)
- F. Fernandez Turienzo (Spanish)
1978-1979
- Warren Litsky (Environmental Science)
- Lyle Perkins (Art)
- Esther Wallace (Physical Education)
1977-1978
- Doris Abramson (Theater)
- Lawrence Bartlett (Zoology)
- John Brehm (Physics)
1976-1977
- R. Bruce Hoadley (Wood Science & Tech)
- Maurice Levin (Slavic Languages)
- Edward Phinney (Classics)
1975-1976
- Normand Berlin (English)
- Robert Livingston (Botany)
- Elizabeth Petroff (English)
1974-1975
- Brian O'Connor (Zoology)
- Albey Reiner (Microbiology)
- Jeanne Sherrow (Leisure Student Services)
1973-1974
- R. Mason Bunker (Education)
- Pamela Edwards (English)
- David Klingener (Zoology)
1972-1973
- George Armelagos (Anthropology)
- Joseph Hartshorn (Geology)
- Clair Naylor (Mathematics & Statistics)
1971-1972
- George Burak (General Business & Finance)
- Fergus Clydesdale (Food Science)
- Masha Rudman (Education)
1970-1971
- Thomas Arny (Astronomy)
- Ian Thomas (Electrical Engineering)
- Barbara White (Zoology)
1969-1970
- Richard Garber (Athletics)
- Cadwell Ray (Economics)
- William Wilson (Sociology & Anthropology)
1968-1969
- George Cannon (Chemistry)
- Glen Gordon (Political Science)
- Richard Kofler (Physics & Astronomy)
1967-1968
- William Boyer (Civil Engineering)
- Earl McWhorter (Chemistry)
- T.O. Wilinson (Sociology)
1966-1967
- Terence Burke (Geography)
- Richard Foley (Veterinary & Animal Sciences)
1965-1966
- Hans Christian Duus (Chemical Engineering)
1964-1965
- John Dittfach (Mechanical Engineering)
1963-1964
- H. Leland Varley (English)
1962-1963
- George Richardson (Chemistry)
1961-1962
- William Ross (Physics)
2023–2024
- Elif Savas (Political Science)
- RoseAnn Vik (Microbiology)
2022–2023
- Ajit Kumar (Physics)
- Porntip Israsena Twishime (Communication)
2021–2022
- Jeannine Blake (Nursing)
- Darya Tourzani (Veterinary and Animal Sciences)
2020–2021
- Alexander Ponomareff (Comparative Literature)
- Shaina Sadai (Geosciences)
2019-2020
- Kelly Giles (Sociology)
- Andrea Wilson (Philosophy)
2018–2019
- Javier Lopez Piqueres (Physics)
- Emma Vanderpool (Classics)
2017–2018
- Manuela Borzone (Comparative Literature)
- Tanya Whitworth (Sociology)
2016–2017
- Shakuntala Ray (English)
- Yedalis Ruiz (Educational Policy (Research (and Administration)
2015–2016
- Shastri Akella (Comparative Literature)
- Vanessa Duffy (French)
2014–2015
- Una Tanovic (Comparative Literature)
- Kyla Walters (Sociology)
2013–2014
- Nico Aiello (Mathematics & Statistics)
- Claire Brault (Political Science)
2012–2013
- Edward Erikson (Political Science)
- Alix Olson (Political Science)
2011–2012
- Molly Keehn (Student Development)
- Kaja Tally (History of Art & Architecture)
2010–2011
- Michael Funk (Student Development)
- Katir Patel (Microbiology)