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UA Teaching Academy Gives Award and Inducts Six New Members
Jordain Carney
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: News
Max Meisch, who teaches in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, was awarded the fourth annual John and Lois Imhoff Award for Outstanding Teaching and Student Mentorship at a banquet Thursday, Nov. 13, after being picked from five finalists.
The recipient of the award is a faculty member who has proved to be an outstanding teacher and mentor, and who teaches entry-level classes. Meisch also received a memento of service and a $1,000 honorarium, according to the press release.
Jeannine Durdik, Mark Boyer, Janet Forbess, Michael Wavering, Jefferson Miller and Jeannie Whayne were also admitted into the Academy Nov. 13.
"Being inducted into the University of Arkansas Teaching Academy is a highlight of my career as an educator," Wavering said. "I want students to know that they should follow their passion, find out what interests them and find a way to make a living doing it."
Forbess said her favorite saying about teaching is 'teach students, not subjects.'
"I try to practice this by spending time with my students individually and getting to know each one. I want to change students' lives, not just lecture and give tests," she said.
Forbess was shocked when Dr. Ro DiBrezzo and Dr. Inza Fort walked in and announced to her and her class that she had been selected, she said. "It was so humbling to realize that I was now being recognized for outstanding teaching."
The Teaching Academy was created in 1988 mainly through the efforts of Chancellor Dan Ferritor. Professors are nominated by a member of the Academy and then voted on. To be nominated, a candidate has to have received a major award from their college or discipline, said John Norwood, president of the Teaching Academy.
Students do not have direct involvement in the selection process of new members, Norwood said. However, "student evaluations are an important part of the selection process."
But which professors would students want to nominate for the Teaching Academy if they could?
"Dr. McIntosh," said UA student Mary Smith. "He's really smart and funny, and knows how to make chemistry very interesting."
UA student Sarah Allen said cultural anthropology teacher Justin Nolan would be a good candidate.
"He made you actually want to learn. The class was in the science engineering auditorium, which is typically pretty empty, but that class was always full," she said.
According to the UA press release, the Academy promotes and recognizes effective teaching and learning at the university.
Members also edit Inquiry, the undergraduate research journal, sponsor teaching workshops, provide guidance to faculty and mentor new faculty. They also meet once a month to discuss topics related to teaching and learning.
There are currently 75 active members of the Academy, and only six new members can be added each year.
The recipient of the award is a faculty member who has proved to be an outstanding teacher and mentor, and who teaches entry-level classes. Meisch also received a memento of service and a $1,000 honorarium, according to the press release.
Jeannine Durdik, Mark Boyer, Janet Forbess, Michael Wavering, Jefferson Miller and Jeannie Whayne were also admitted into the Academy Nov. 13.
"Being inducted into the University of Arkansas Teaching Academy is a highlight of my career as an educator," Wavering said. "I want students to know that they should follow their passion, find out what interests them and find a way to make a living doing it."
Forbess said her favorite saying about teaching is 'teach students, not subjects.'
"I try to practice this by spending time with my students individually and getting to know each one. I want to change students' lives, not just lecture and give tests," she said.
Forbess was shocked when Dr. Ro DiBrezzo and Dr. Inza Fort walked in and announced to her and her class that she had been selected, she said. "It was so humbling to realize that I was now being recognized for outstanding teaching."
The Teaching Academy was created in 1988 mainly through the efforts of Chancellor Dan Ferritor. Professors are nominated by a member of the Academy and then voted on. To be nominated, a candidate has to have received a major award from their college or discipline, said John Norwood, president of the Teaching Academy.
Students do not have direct involvement in the selection process of new members, Norwood said. However, "student evaluations are an important part of the selection process."
But which professors would students want to nominate for the Teaching Academy if they could?
"Dr. McIntosh," said UA student Mary Smith. "He's really smart and funny, and knows how to make chemistry very interesting."
UA student Sarah Allen said cultural anthropology teacher Justin Nolan would be a good candidate.
"He made you actually want to learn. The class was in the science engineering auditorium, which is typically pretty empty, but that class was always full," she said.
According to the UA press release, the Academy promotes and recognizes effective teaching and learning at the university.
Members also edit Inquiry, the undergraduate research journal, sponsor teaching workshops, provide guidance to faculty and mentor new faculty. They also meet once a month to discuss topics related to teaching and learning.
There are currently 75 active members of the Academy, and only six new members can be added each year.
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