Looking for Some Inspiration?

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has the U.S. Professors of the Year Awards Program.

According to the website:
"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. 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."

If you visit the website posted below you will find a program brochure and entry form for 2009. Although this year's deadline to enter has come and gone it is still worth checking out if interested in applying in 2010. If visit the link for the 2008 award winners you will find the name, rank, and institution of the winner. You can read their passion for teaching statement, student introduction, and acceptance speech. It might also be a way for you to see how you measure up to those who have won awards and stay the course or correct it to enhance student learning. So check out: http://www.usprofessoroftheyear.org/