Advice from Dr. Peggy Semingson and Dr. Pete Smith, members of the UTA Academy of Distinguished Teachers
In this video, Dr. Peggy Semingson and Dr. Pete Smith, both members of the UTA Academy of Distinguished Teachers, offer high-level, experience‑informed guidance for faculty preparing nominations for the UT System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. Drawing on their own award‑winning careers and extensive mentorship of colleagues, they identify the essential elements of a compelling dossier, from effectively documenting teaching impact to crafting a persuasive narrative that captures innovation, rigor, and student‑centered practice. Their dialogue provides clear, actionable insights designed to help faculty present their accomplishments with clarity, confidence, and professional excellence no matter what teaching award they are applying for.
From Dr. Pete Smith and Dr. Peggy Semingson
Recognize the prestige and system-wide scope of the Regents’ Award; excellence is evaluated across all UT campuses, requiring a polished, strategic submission.
Build a robust, evidence-based dossier that uses visuals, artifacts, and hyperlinks to show your teaching practice and innovations.
Craft a distinctive narrative that clearly articulates what makes your teaching unique and how your philosophy translates into meaningful student learning.
Demonstrate impact with data and testimonials, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative evidence, including student outcomes and peer observations.
Secure strong recommendation letters by providing recommenders with key themes and inviting colleagues to observe your teaching.
Avoid common pitfalls such as underestimating the time required, relying on generic statements, or being overly modest about your accomplishments.
Embrace teaching as ongoing professional growth, using the dossier process as an opportunity to reflect, revise, and innovate.
View the process as developmental, recognizing that crafting the dossier strengthens both your teaching and your ability to articulate its impact.
Dr. Kevin Schug shares his insights on how to create a compelling application and stand out from the crowd
In this podcast episode of Pedagogy Next, Dr. Kevin Schug, Shimadzu Distinguished Professor of Analytical Chemistry, shares practical advice on applying for and winning teaching awards. Through a storytelling conversation with CRTLE host Dr. Peggy Semingson. Dr. Schug discusses his journey from early college awards to major recognitions including the Regents Outstanding Teaching Award, external disciplinary honors, and a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar appointment focused on teaching. Dr. Schug emphasizes the value of showcasing your strengths, documenting evidence over time, and being confident about the impact of your teaching. He encourages faculty to highlight innovation, gather student feedback, maintain organized teaching artifacts, and pursue external recognitions that demonstrate broader influence. He also notes that teaching awards become more achievable when faculty see themselves as innovators and commit to continuous, incremental improvement.
