Applicants self-nominate for the award by submitting a digital portfolio (i.e. a collection of electronic files combined in one single PDF file) via Brightspace.  

Award applicants will be asked to provide evidence of their:  

• Teaching Effectiveness
• Comitment to Student Success
• Learning-Focused Approaches 
• Reflective Practice and Continuous Improvement 

Required Application Materials

• Cover sheet (include signatures from academic leader & dean)
• Teaching-Focused Curriculum Vitae or Resume  (less than 5 pages)
• Statement of Philosophy of Teaching (<500 words)
• Statement of Teaching (<1500 words) Aligned to Philosophy that Describes:
  • Application of learning-focused approach to primary roles of teaching
  • Exemplary commitment toward students and student success
  • Sustained commitment to reflective practice and continuous improvement as a teacher
• Statement of Evidence of Student Learning (<1000 words)
• Summary of Student Evaluation Results (quantitative/qualitative for prior two years)
• Letter of Support from Academic Unit Leader

 

The full scoring rubric can be found within the application portal.  

Criteria	Exemplary
Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness	Provides a comprehensive and detailed description of teaching efforts that have significantly impacted student learning and succes.  Includes specific, measurable evidence (e.g., assessment results, student feedback) to demonstrate effectiveness.
Commitment to Student Success	Clearly articulates a deep commitment to student success, providing specific examples of how efforts have led to improved student engagement and outcomes. Shows a strong alignment with their teaching philosophy.
Learning Focused Approach	Thoroughly describes the use of a learning-focused approach, highlighting how content presentation, student practice, and assessment have positively influenced student learning. Demonstrates strong alignment with teaching philosophy and student needs.
Reflective Practice and Continuous Improvement	Describes a sustained commitment to reflective practice with detailed examples of how self-assessment and feedback have led to meaningful changes in teaching. Clearly demonstrates a positive impact on student learning as a result of these improvements.

All applications for the Excellence in Teaching Award will undergo a peer review process conducted by the  FCTL Faculty Advisory Council, which includes representation from all MSU colleges.  The scoring rubric used by reviewers will be available in the application portal.  The FCTL Faculty Advisory Council , in consultation with the FCTL director, will select award recipients.  

All finalists of FCTL Teaching Excellence Awards will be officially recognized during a faculty recognition event held each spring.  The winner will receive a plaque commemorating the award, and the FCTL will recognize the distinctive achievement of finalists and the winner through the FCTL webpages.