SMU Teaching Excellence Awards
The SMU Teaching Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate the significance of teaching as a complex and multi-faceted profession. These university-level awards honour faculty members for their holistic contributions to peer development, student development, innovative instructional approaches, effective pedagogical practices and course design. SMU is also committed to adopting processes that promote gender equity in the recognition of teaching excellence. Research findings on the influence of gender bias in teaching awards processes can be found here.
The teaching awards are by no means a one-time acknowledgement of excellence. For the recognised, their value to and influence on the academic community will continue to build from there. Award recipients can expect to be called upon to contribute to SMU’s drive towards quality teaching as facilitators, peer coaches and faculty champions in CTE’s initiatives. Award nominees may likewise be invited to contribute in a similar manner.
Award Categories
The Distinguished Educator Award recognises faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to promote a first-rate learning experience for SMU students and inspiring colleagues in doing the same, and made significant and lasting contributions throughout his/her career. (This award may not be given out annually)
Undergraduate
- The Excellent Teacher Award recognises outstanding faculty members who have shown commitment in promoting excellence in teaching and learning, to enhance the quality of classroom experience. The candidate would demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of the field, employ exemplary teaching skills that encourage student engagement, and foster the holistic development of students.
- The SMU-X Excellent Teacher Award recognises faculty members who are committed to the teaching of SMU-X courses. The candidate would work with partners from the private, public, or social sector to incorporate experiential activities where students solve real world issues that impact the community and organisations.
- The Most Promising Teacher Award recognises junior faculty members who have shown outstanding potential and exemplary teaching in delivering the SMU pedagogy. The candidate would display most of the qualities described in the Excellent Teacher category.
- The Outstanding Adjunct Award recognises adjuncts who have made a significant impact on students in terms of their commitment to deliver the SMU pedagogy. The candidate would actively contribute to the transfer of expertise from industry or his/her specialised domain to students' learning.
Postgraduate
The Teaching Excellence in Postgraduate Professional Programmes Award shares similar criteria as the Undergraduate Excellent Teacher Award. It recognises outstanding faculty members who actively teach in the postgraduate professional programmes.
Recognition for Sustained Achievements
The Honour Roll and Hall of Fame accolades recognise faculty members who have received at least three and five SMU Teaching Excellence Awards, respectively.
Review and Selection Committee
The Faculty Advisory Committee for Teaching and Learning (FACTL) forms the review and selection committee for the undergraduate awards. The committee for the postgraduate award includes FACTL and the Associate Provost (PGP Education).
2024 Recipients & Nominees
Eligibility
The 2025 eligibility and criteria information for the undergraduate and postgraduate award categories can be found in the respective links.
SMU Teaching Excellence Awards Process
