Teaching Recognition Award 2023-2024 Program Overview
Purpose and goals
The Teaching Recognition Award (TRA) program was established in 2001 through an expansion of the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professorship Program. The Meredith Professors proposed the TRA program to recognize excellence in teaching among untenured faculty. These awards aim:
- To recognize and encourage teaching excellence among tenure-track faculty in their first five years,
- To recognize and promote teaching excellence through the teaching career among teaching professors and professors of practice at any rank, and
- To encourage a culture of collegial mentoring among members of the Syracuse faculty.
Award categories
Each year, the TRA is given in two categories:
| Category | Recipient | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Award for Early Performance | Faculty members (at least 4 awards, and no more than 7) This award may be presented to faculty who have completed two years of teaching at Syracuse University. Eligible nominees include tenure-track faculty who are not yet in their tenure review year; full-time teaching professors of any rank; professors of practice; and adjuncts and part-time faculty who are in their first five years of employment with the University. No fewer than two tenure-track faculty and no fewer than two teaching professors of any rank, professors of practice, or adjunct or part-time instructors will be recognized in any given year. | $3,000 for professional development |
| Award for Continuing Excellence | Faculty members (up to 2) This award may be presented to faculty who have completed five or more years of teaching at Syracuse University. Eligible nominees include full-time teaching professors of any rank; professors of practice; and adjuncts and part-time faculty who have completed five years of employment with the University. | $10,000 for professional development |
The award funds may be used for expenses that awardees incur in furthering their professional development, such as the purchase of equipment, materials, or travel.
Nomination process
TRA nominations may be made by any faculty member, with the concurrence of the nominee’s department chair or school director, where applicable, and dean. Individuals may not self-nominate.
The complete nomination includes the following items combined (in order) into a single PDF:
- Coversheet: A fillable form found on the Office of Academic Affairs website
- Formal nomination letter (no more than three pages) that:
- Makes the case for the nominee’s outstanding teaching performance and collegial mentoring
- Describes the nominee’s regular teaching responsibilities, as well as any teaching mentorship activities within the department, school, or college
NOTE: The nomination letter should provide concrete examples or illustrations of teaching excellence, rather than grand statements of praise.
- Teaching portfolio that includes:
- A teaching statement (no more than three pages) which addresses:
- The nominee’s approach to teaching
- Any significant teaching innovations and initiatives
- Specific techniques for assessing or evaluating student learning
- How the nominee uses assessment or evaluation of student learning to inform teaching innovation
NOTE: The teaching statement should highlight the nominee’s efforts to infuse consideration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all elements described above.
- A teaching statement (no more than three pages) which addresses:
- An updated curriculum vitae
- Up to three examples (one page each) of teaching innovations used by the nominee in courses taught at Syracuse University
- Letter of support from a peer who has observed the nominee’s teaching and can speak to the use of innovative teaching techniques and sound pedagogical practices
- Letters of support from two former students (the letters should appropriately reflect the balance of the nominee’s teaching in undergraduate and graduate curricula)
- A professional bio (not to exceed 500 words) suitable for publication
NOTE: The portfolio may not exceed 15 pages, excluding the curriculum vitae.
Also, to be submitted:
- A jpg file of a recent (within the last five years) color photograph/headshot suitable for print and online publication
NOTE: The photograph will only be used for promotional purposes. It will not be used in any part of the review or selection process.
It is preferred that an individual be nominated by one person or by multiple people signing one nomination letter. Nominators are encouraged to collaborate with colleagues on the submission.
Nominations (and photographs) are due Friday, February 16, 2024. Please email the nomination as one PDF (and the jpg photograph separately) to Amanda Latreille, Faculty Affairs Specialist, at arlatrei@syr.edu (subject: TRA nomination).
Selection process and recognition
The TRA Review Committee, composed of Meredith Professors, past TRA recipients, and students, is responsible for recommending candidates for the award. The committee reviews nominations and submits a recommendation report by mid-March. The Chancellor makes the final selection, and the award is presented at the One University Awards Ceremony in April.
Past Teaching Recognition Award recipients
Questions?
Please contact Amanda Latreille at arlatrei@syr.edu or 315-443-5413.