University of Michigan Seeks Nominations for Distinguished Teaching Innovations
The University of Michigan is calling on its community to recognize exceptional teaching innovation that enhances student learning. As the deadline approaches, the institution is eager to spotlight the creative strategies developed by its faculty.
This year marks the 18th annual Teaching Innovation Prize, an initiative designed to celebrate specific innovative teaching methods rather than overall teaching excellence. The competition will grant $5,000 awards to up to five faculty-led projects that demonstrate outstanding educational innovation.
Students, faculty, graduate student instructors, department chairs, directors, deans, and staff members are invited to nominate candidates using a concise online form. Faculty members can also nominate themselves, and previously submitted nominations are open for reconsideration.
According to Angela Dillard, vice provost for undergraduate education, “It is always inspiring to see the creativity that faculty bring to promoting student learning. This competition draws attention every year to ideas and strategies worth emulating. I encourage our students, staff, and faculty to submit nominations and bring to the surface the excellent work that they’ve discovered in their units.”
The university is looking for nominations that highlight fresh approaches to fostering inclusive classrooms, innovative uses of instructional technology, new strategies for engaging students, methods that promote collaboration, or ways to bring the benefits of small classes into larger lecture settings.
This year’s guidelines especially urge the nomination of innovations that boost student success through alternative assessments, create student-centered environments to close achievement gaps, develop skills for a future involving generative AI, explore tech-free settings for deep learning, or connect coursework with career preparation emphasizing transferable skills.
