- Overview
- Awards
- Grants
More than 120 University of Waterloo faculty members have received awards in recognition of their excellent teaching. Dozens of others have received grants in support of their scholarship of teaching and learning, or to support the development of innovative teaching resources.
Internal
Deadline: Friday, February 3, 2012
The Distinguished Teacher Award is given in recognition of a continued record of excellence in teaching at the University of Waterloo. Inquiries can be made to Verna Keller (x33857) in CTE, or to specific DTA Liaisons:
- Ron McCarville Ext. 33048 (Applied Health Sciences)
- Emanuel Carvalho Ext. 32246 (Arts)
- Alex Penlidis Ext. 36634 (Engineering)
- Jean Andrey Ext. 33629 (Environment)
- Frank Zorzitto Ext. 35563 (Mathematics)
- Mario Coniglio Ext. 32063 (Science)
- TBA Ext. 24265 (Conrad Grebel University College)
- Heather Bode Ext. 28225 (St. Jerome's University)
Criteria
The main criterion is a record of excellent teaching at UW over an extended period, usually at least five years. It is open to all those who teach students at the University of Waterloo and is not limited just to those holding faculty appointments. The Selection Committee looks for evidence of intellectual vigour and communication skills in the interpretation and presentation of subject matter, along with evidence of educational impact beyond the classroom. The instructor’s human quality and concern for and sensitivity to the needs of students are obvious criteria. The Selection Committee will look for a clear indication that the nominee has a favourable and lasting influence on students, and, where relevant, on colleagues. Evidence of successful innovation in teaching or publications/ presentations on teaching and learning may support a nomination, but it is also clear that excellence in teaching does not necessarily require either. Winners are announced annually at the March meeting of Senate. Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions.
History
The DTA awards were approved by Senate on December 15, 1975, with the following explanatory statement:
The Distinguished Teacher Award has been set up by the Senate of the University of Waterloo in recognition of the great importance of excellence in teaching at all levels in the University. The award is open to all those who teach students in the University of Waterloo and its federated and affiliated colleges. Recipients are to be chosen from among nominees by a Selection Committee of faculty and students. The University plans to honour three Distinguished Teachers each year.
Until 1988 three awards were made each year (except for 1983 when four DTAs were awarded because the committee felt unable to differentiate between the top candidates). However, in March 1988 Senate approved a fourth award for: Non-regular faculty members (i.e. part-time faculty, full and part-time staff, and faculty members holding adjunct appointments). From 1989 to 2005, one of the four annual awards was set aside for "non-regular" instructors, but in 2005 Senate passed a motion stating "that the categories of Distinguished Teacher Award - DTA, DTA [Non regular] - be removed, and that up to 4 awards be made each year to Distinguished Teachers."
Click Here for a table of past DTA winners, and here for citations describing their teaching practice.
The LIFT Award was developed to recognize and encourage teaching excellence at Ontario's colleges and universities. This award has been given out to faculty who influence, motivate and inspire students and demonstrate leadership in teaching methods for the diverse student body in Ontario. Winners are receiving $20,000 over two years to encourage continued excellence in the classroom setting. To view awards by Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, please vist their website.
Deadline: The nomination deadline is the second Friday in February. Committee deliberations take place in February/March. The Amit & Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student, AETS, program is administered by the Centre for Teaching Excellence, CTE. Inquiries can be directed to CTE at the EV1 building (Room 325) or by calling (519) 888-4567, Ext. 33857. You may also email us with any questions to: cte@uwaterloo.ca. (This award was previously named Distinguished Teaching by a Registered Student Award and was renamed in April 2006 to the Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student. From 2010/11 onwards, the award will be referred to as the Amit & Meena Chakma Awards for Exceptional Teaching by a Student.)
The awards are open to all registered students who have a formal teaching role (e.g., teaching assistant, laboratory demonstrator, sessional lecturer) at the University of Waterloo or its federated and affiliated university/colleges. Recipients are to be chosen from among nominees by a Selection Committee of faculty and students. The University plans to honour students for their teaching excellence each year.
Criteria: The awards are given in recognition of excellence in teaching of all kinds by registered students. The awards are open to all students who have a formal teaching role at the University of Waterloo. The Selection Committee will look for intellectual vigour and communication skills in the interpretation and presentation of subject matter. Concern for and sensitivity to the academic need of the students is an important criterion.
Nominations: Candidates are nominated to the Selection Committee which will present up to four awards once a year. In order for a nominee to be considered for the award, his/her nomination must be endorsed by as least five individuals, including present and past students of the nominee, and present and past faculty supervisors of the nominee. A minimum of three of the individuals endorsing the nominee must be past or present students of the nominee. To nominate a student, submit a completed nomination form or a letter that clearly explains why the nominee should receive the award. Submit nomination forms by email to cte-awar@uwaterloo.ca no later than 4:30 pm on the second Friday in February.
Deadline: The nomination deadline is the second Friday in February. Committee deliberations take place in February/March.
Award: The award consists of:
A. Acknowledgment at the convocation when the student graduates.
B. A cheque valued in the range of $1,000.00 each and a Certificate.
Selection Committee: Appointed by Senate, membership to be:
- three undergraduate students
- two graduate students
- two members of Faculty (including the Teaching Resource Person)
- Associate Provost of Graduate Studies (Chair)
Click Here for past winners
The Certificate in University Teaching (CUT) Award is given annually to a graduate student who demonstrates the highest achievement on completion of the program. Selection is made in by the Director of the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) and the winner is announced in March. The Award consists of a plaque and a cash award. This award is open to all graduate students who have completed the Certificate in University Teaching Program. As the winner is determined internally, no application is required.
Past CUT Winners
| Year | Name | Department | Faculty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Austen, Veronica J. | English | Arts |
| 2007 | Tucker, Trent R. | Management Sciences | Engineering |
| 2008 | Chisholm, Diana | Statistics & Actuarial Science | Mathematics |
| 2009 | Müller, Mareike | Germanic & Slavic Studies | Arts |
| 2010 | Peiris, Ramila H. | Chemical Engineering | Engineering |
| 2011 | Nesan, Dinushan | Biology | Science |
External
OCUFA seeks to maintain and enhance the quality of higher education in Ontario, and to advance the professional and economic interests of teachers, researchers, and librarians in Ontario universities.
OCUFA works to ensure that the views of its member associations are communicated to government policy makers, the public, and those concerned with the quality and accessibility of post-secondary education.
Past UW OCUFA Winners
| Year | Name | Department | Faculty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Andrey, Jean | Geography | Environment |
| 2000 | Scoins, Ronald George | Mathematics | Mathematics |
| 1993 | Forsyth, Phyllis | Classical Studies | Arts |
| 1987 | Irish, Donald | Chemistry | Science |
| 1979 | Cummings, Laurence | Architecture | Engineering |
| 1975 | Seligman, Paul | Philosophy | Arts |
| 1975 | MacKinnon, Hugh | History | Arts |
| 1973 | Reilly, Park | Chemical Engineering | Engineering |
3M Canada began collaborating with the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in 1986 with the creation of the 3M National Teaching Fellowships. These awards recognize teaching excellence as well as educational leadership. Up to ten Fellowships are awarded each year. The award includes a citation and an invitation to participate in a four-day retreat at Château Montebello in Quebec. This very popular retreat provides the winners with an opportunity to share past teaching experiences and discuss new ideas.
There are now 238 3M National Teaching Fellows scattered throughout Canada representing a broad range of academic disciplines. They work individually and collaboratively to enhance teaching and learning at their own institutions and through larger collaborative initiatives supported by the Society.
Nominations for the Fellowships are submitted by teachers on their own behalf, or by their colleagues. Candidates need not be members of STLHE.
To view awards by 3M, please vist their website.
Past UW 3M Winners
| Year | Name | Department | Faculty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Morgan, Alan | Earth and Environmental Sciences | Science |
| 2004 | Armitage, Howard | School of Accountancy | Arts |
| 1986 | Krueger, Ralph | Geography | Environment |
Internal
Deadline: Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, subject to availability of funds.
Waterloo International (WI) and the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) are pleased to announce a call for applications for Course Internationalization Grants for 2011-2012. Grants are open to full-time faculty members at UW.
The purpose of the grants is to encourage faculty members to infuse international perspectives into existing courses and to incorporate an international component in their teaching and learning activities. The recipient of the grant is asked to use the internationalization strategies that are best suited for their courses. Faculty are asked to provide a report at the end of the term stating the successes and challenges of the implemented activities.
Up to eight grants of $1500 each will be awarded in an academic year, subject to availability of funds. In order to apply, interested faculty members are asked to submit a short (3 pages maximum) application with the following information:
1) a brief description of the course
2) description of the proposed internationalization strategies and a rationale for them
3) a budget.
Recipients of the Course Internationalization Grants will be announced once a decision has been made. Recipients may be asked to make a public presentation at the conclusion of their project.
If you have any questions about the grants or want to schedule a consultation to discuss your ideas about internationalizing your course, please contact:
Svitlana Taraban-Gordon, PhD
Senior Instructional Developer
LIB 328
E-mail: staraban@uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567 ext. 37110
For more grant information visit:
- Strategies for Course Internationalization (Tip Sheet)
- Grant Recipients
- UW Study on Course Internationalization
Recommended resources:
- Internationalization of the Curriculum: A Practical Guide to Support Canadian Universities’ Efforts (Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada):
- Internationalization of the Curriculum (James Cook University):
- Internationalizing the Curriculum Resource Kit (Oxford Brookes University):
The University of Waterloo is committed to enhancing the quality of the learning experience for our students and to continuing our history of innovative approaches to learning and teaching. Proposals are requested from faculty and staff for research projects designed to enhance students’ learning processes and outcomes in undergraduate and graduate courses through instructional initiatives and/or the creation of new learning resources.
The University of Waterloo is committed to enhancing the quality of the learning experience for our students and to continuing our history of innovative approaches to learning and teaching. Proposals are requested from faculty and staff for research projects about program development or renewal that are designed to support and enhance teaching practices and enrich student learning outcomes in undergraduate and graduate courses.
The Office of Research works with UW faculty to:
- target funding opportunities for their specific research programs
- provide support with the grant application process
- administer successfully funded non-industry grant applications
External
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) is an arm's-length federal agency that promotes and supports university-based research and training in the social sciences and humanities.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) supports both basic university research through discovery grants and project research through partnerships among universities, governments and the private sector, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people.
The Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI)is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI's mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.
CANARIE -- Canada's advanced Internet development organization -- is a not-for-profit corporation supported by its members, project partners and the Federal Government. CANARIE also intends to act as a catalyst and partner with governments, industry and the research community to increase overall IT awareness, ensure continuing promotion of Canadian technological excellence and ultimately, foster long-term productivity and improvement of living standards.
