The U.S. Professors of the Year program salutes the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country—those who excel in teaching and positively influence the lives and careers of students. Sponsored by CASE and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, it is the only national program to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring.
All undergraduate teachers in the United States, of any academic rank at any type of undergraduate institution, are eligible for the award. Entries are judged by top U.S. educators and other active participants in education.
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education launched the awards program in 1981. That same year, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching began hosting the final round of judging, and in 1982, became the primary sponsor.
In recognizing faculty members who display superb teaching skills, the U.S. Professors of the Year program gives institutions more than just bragging rights. The awards focus attention on excellence in undergraduate teaching and provide models to which others can aspire. They also strengthen community interest in your school and build public support for your academic programs.
Winners teach in all types of undergraduate settings nationwide, private and public, from two-year and four-year colleges to universities. They are highlighted in the media and sought after as presenters. Some testify before Congress. Others are guests on talk shows and speakers at business, civic and professional events where they frequently advocate for undergraduate education. Prominent national publications cover the celebrations in Washington. Local print and broadcast outlets and campus and alumni periodicals shine the spotlight on both winners and their institutions.
With each success story, people learn more about the fields the winners teach and also what makes a good undergraduate teacher. After all, it is through the art of teaching, the force of their knowledge, and the passion of their convictions that teachers can inspire students to reach beyond the ordinary.
Each national winner receives:
Each state-level winner receives:
See the 2015 Call for Entries brochure.
Nominations for the 2015 Professors of the Year are now closed.
View highlights from the 2013 awards luncheon
View 2014 photo gallery
Purchase 2014 photos
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