Provosts Award for Outstanding Teaching by Graduate Students
Nominations are invited for the annual Provost's Award for Outstanding Teaching by Graduate Students. The program was established in 1998 to recognize the exemplary contributions made by graduate teaching assistants to excellence in undergraduate education. The program is administered by the Center for Teaching Enhancement.
Program
Goals
  • To provide new TAs a visible incentive to develop a commitment to excellence in undergraduate instruction.

  • To encourage talented TAs to develop teaching portfolios that document and demonstrate their teaching effectiveness.

  • To formally reward TAs for outstanding instructional accomplishments.

  • To publicize the accomplishments of TAs at USF and in the community and to enhance the esteem in which teaching by graduate students is held as an integral component of the professional preparation of graduate students.
    • Categories Awards will be presented in two categories:
    The highest level of teaching achievement will be recognized by up to three "Provost's Award for Outstanding Teaching by a Graduate Student." Recipients will receive a $1000 cash award and a plaque presented at a Provost's reception. Also, the exemplary teaching of up to twelve additional TAs will be recognized with "USF Commendations for Outstanding Teaching by a Graduate Student." Recipients of commendations will also be presented plaques at the Provost's reception.
    Eligibility
    Criteria         		TAs are eligible for nomination if they have (1) completed a minimum of one year of graduate study at USF, (2) taught at least two course sections prior to the time of nomination, and (3) been nominated by a faculty member who has supervised their teaching for at least one semester prior to the nomination.
    Nomination
    and
    Application
    Procedure for TA
    Award         		Faculty supervisors or course coordinators can e-mail a brief statement of nomination (not a full reference letter) for up to three outstanding TAs who meet all eligibility requirements to Diane Williams by February 1, 1999. Please include the name, department, mail point, and e-mail address (if available) for each TA listed. Upon receipt of this notification, the Center for Teaching Enhancement (CTE) will send the nominees the application guidelines and invite them to submit complete applications by Tuesday, March 16, 1999.

    Interested nominees will then submit (1) a short application form, (2) 1-3 letters of recommendation written by faculty members familiar with the applicant's teaching activities and accomplishments, and (3) a completed teaching portfolio. To submit applications or receive further information, contact Dr. Diane R. Williams.
    Selection
    Criteria         		Selection will be based upon the quality of teaching activities and accomplishments documented in the teaching portfolio and letters of recommendation. A set of application guidelines will be provided to applicants for development of the teaching portfolio. The selection committee will include the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, the Dean of Graduate Studies, the Assistant Director of the Center for Teaching Enhancement, and a selected instructor.
    Important Dates
    February 1, 1999 Deadline for the submission of TA nominee names by faculty
    March 16, 1999 Deadline for the submission of TA nominees' applications and teaching portfolios.

    TAs nominated for an award will have the opportunity to attend a CTE workshop on Teaching Portfolio preparation on Wednesday, February 10, Tuesday, February 16, OR Wednesday, February 17. Please call the CTE at 974-2576 for more information.

    TA Awards will be presented at a reception Tuesday, April 13, 1999.
    Send nominations and applications to Dr. Diane R. Williams, Center for Teaching Enhancement, SVC 1088, University of South Florida, dwilliam@helios.acomp.usf.edu, (813) 974-2576, FAX 974-5620