NIU’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) is seeking nominations for the 2023 Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards.
These awards acknowledge outstanding graduate teaching assistants for their contributions to the teaching mission of NIU.
Each recipient of the award will be presented with a plaque and recognized by the Graduate School at the end of the spring semester.
At least one of the awards will be presented to an outstanding teaching assistant pursuing a master’s degree.
To be eligible for this award, each candidate must:
- be enrolled as a graduate student in good standing at NIU during the semester the award nominations are due;
- have been employed as a graduate teaching assistant for one or more semesters (excluding the semester of nomination) during the past 2 years at NIU;
- have been responsible for teaching a course fully as the primary instructor of record or teaching-related support (example: leading discussions, grading, tutoring, recitation, etc.) which involved student contact as part of the graduate teaching assistant employment;
- have contributed above and beyond the general expectations of the position; and
- have not previously received this award at NIU.
**IMPORTANT Change in Timeline for 2022-2023**
Traditionally, the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant nominations occur during the spring semester. However, to align with the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools Excellence in Teaching Award, we are moving the nominations to the fall semester. This will allow CITL and the Graduate School time to work with one recipient of the award at the master’s and doctoral levels to develop a nomination packet for the regional award.
Nomination Process and Deadline
Each academic or academic support unit that employs graduate TAs for teaching and related activities is invited to nominate two (2) outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistants, one at the master’s level and the other at the doctoral level, from its department/school for the awards. Nominations should be submitted by the head of the academic department/school or designee.
Nominators must complete the nomination form for each nominee and email it with any supporting documents by Monday, November 14, 2022 to citl@niu.edu with the subject line “Nomination for 2023 Outstanding TA Awards.”
Additional Information
For additional information, check the Frequently Asked Questions section or contact Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning at (815) 753-0595 or citl@niu.edu.
