The Department of Physics recognizes the importance of Teaching Assistants to its
mission and yearly selects an outstanding graduate TA for special recognition. The
recipient receives an award of $400, and a certificate. The award is made near the end of
the spring term.
Eligibility:
All graduate students who serve as teaching assistants in a physics course during the
academic year are eligible for the award, except for the previous year's recipient, who
serves on the selection committee with faculty members.
Criteria:
The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award recognizes excellence in the ability of a
graduate Teaching Assistant to convey physics concepts and analytical and laboratory
skills effectively to students, mastery of physics subject matter, and engagement in
professional development activities that foster excellence in graduate teaching.
Procedure:
Finalists for the award are chosen from the results of an online survey of all students
enrolled in physics courses in a particular academic year, and from a similar survey of
faculty members. The selection committee asks each finalist to prepare a portfolio that
includes (i) a CV as it pertains to teaching, (ii) a statement of teaching accomplishments
and philosophy, and (iii) up to three non-confidential letters of recommendation, of which
two must come from university faculty members. The selection committee chooses the
award winners based on the portfolio, teaching evaluations, and other evaluative
materials.
Timeline:
A web-based survey of students is conducted during the first 4 weeks of Spring term.
The finalists are announced in the 5th week of spring term, and application portfolios are
due in the Graduate Secretary's office by 4pm on the Friday of the 8th week of term. The
award is announced at the picnic at the end of Spring term.
Previous awards:
| Year | Recipient
|
|
| 2012-2013
| Daniel Gruss |
| Andrew Stickel
|
|
| 2011-2012 | Lee Aspitarte |
|
| 2010-2011 | Lin Li |
|
| 2009-2010 | Joshua Russell |
|
| 2008-2009 | Zlatko Dimcovic |
|
| 2007-2008 | KC Walsh |
|
| 2006-2007 | Matthew Neel
|
| Vincent Rossi
|
|
