CATT Instructional Excellence Award Open for Nominations

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.

This is open to all instructors who are 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.

Please complete all required fields and upload documents by March 20^th, 2026.  Incomplete nominations will not be reviewed. All documents should be submitted as searchable PDFs to ensure accessibility and readability.

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.