CATT Instructional Excellence Award

These awards honor instructors who excel in teaching, professional development, mentorship, leadership, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). By celebrating their efforts, the University fosters a culture that values high-quality instruction and supports both educators and students.

The Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation (CATT) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Instructional Excellence Awards. These awards recognize faculty whose work demonstrates outstanding commitment to teaching, learning, and student success at the University at Buffalo.

This year’s recipients are:

·       Amy Baird, Engineering Education (SEAS), Excellence in Teaching and Learning

·       Sarah Vincent, Philosophy (CAS), Excellence in Teaching and Learning

·       Christine Tinnesz, Communication (CAS), Excellence in Professional Development

·       Jessy Alexander, Medicine (JSMBS), Excellence in Peer Mentorship

·       Jessica Kruger, Community Health and Health Behavior (SPHHP), Excellence in Leadership in Teaching and Learning

The 2026 award cycle featured an exceptionally strong pool of nominees, reflecting the depth, creativity, and impact of instructional work across the university. CATT extends its sincere thanks to all who submitted applications. The review process was highly competitive, and we are grateful to every applicant for their dedication to advancing teaching and learning at UB.

We look forward to celebrating this year’s recipients at an event during the week of the Celebration of Excellence in the fall.

This was open to all instructors who where actively teaching in the fall and spring during the 2025–2026 academic year, including adjunct, part-time, and full-time faculty. Educators at every experience level, from those just beginning their teaching careers to seasoned instructors, are encouraged to apply. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.

Completion Checklist

You may apply for only one award category per year. Please note: Individuals are not eligible to receive the same award category more than once.

Please select which award category you are nominating yourself for:

Teaching and Learning

Recognizes faculty who create engaging, inclusive learning environments that support deep learning and student success. Honorees clearly communicate expectations, provide meaningful feedback, and engage in reflective teaching practices to continuously improve learning outcomes.

Professional Development

Recognizes faculty who demonstrate a sustained commitment to improving their teaching through ongoing professional learning. Recipients engage in reflective practice and participate in formal and informal development opportunities that enhance teaching and learning.

Peer Mentorship

Recognizes faculty who excel in mentoring colleagues to support teaching, academic growth, and professional development. Honorees foster positive, collaborative relationships that build confidence, promote reflective practice, and support career advancement.

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Recognizes faculty who engage in systematic inquiry into teaching and learning to improve educational practice. Recipients design, assess, and share pedagogical research that contributes to student learning and the broader teaching community.

Leadership in Teaching and Learning

Recognizes faculty who lead and advocate for positive change in teaching and learning. Honorees share expertise, implement initiatives, and inspire others through formal and informal leadership roles that strengthen instructional practice.

Please refer to the provided rubrics, which will be used to evaluate submission packages.

Teaching Philosophy Statement (Required):

3-page maximum, single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. Font.

Describe your teaching philosophy, approach, and impact on student learning and the broader teaching community.

Curriculum Vitae (Required):

15-page maximum, single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. Font.

Highlight activities and accomplishments directly related to teaching and learning.

Supporting Evidence (Required):

Provide three pieces of evidence from the past three years that directly support the award category you are applying for.

Supporting evidence may include, but are not limited to:

• Relevant letters of support from students, peers, or leadership (2–3 pages each, single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font).
• ePortfolios
• Web-based evidence
• Recent course evaluations (if available)
• List of recent publications (include links if available)

For each piece of evidence, include a narrative (maximum 500 words) describing its relevance to your application and how it demonstrates excellence in teaching.