Award Overview

Teaching Assistant Excellence Awards are presented to graduate and professional students (master's and/or doctoral level) who serve as Teaching Assistants or Teaching Fellows (TAs/TFs) and who exhibit exemplary commitment to student learning through reflective teaching practices, creative and innovative teaching methods, academic support, leadership and a commitment to their own professional growth and development as an educator.

Awards are presented for:

• Excellence in Teaching Assistance- Must have taught or supported at least one course, including online courses, during the current academic year and be a first-time TA award winners, up to 10 awards will be presented for $200 each
• Continued Excellence in Teaching Assistance- Previous TA award winners who are nominated again and deemed deserving of continued recognition, no monetary award
• Highly Commended- TA award finalists, no monetary award

Nomination Process & Timeline

Faculty supported by TAs and students who are or were recently enrolled in a course supported by a graduate student TA are encouraged to nominate deserving TAs. Eligible graduate student TAs must have taught or supported at least one course, including remote/online, during the current academic year and must be fully matriculating in a graduate program. Medical and law students may also be nominated.

Submissions for the 2023-2024 awards cycle are now open. The deadline to submit nominations is by 12 p.m. EDT Monday, April 22, 2024.

2023-2024 awardees will be notified and announced on or around May 13, 2024.

Required Materials

1. Completed Nomination Form - Please see below and prepare your responses in advance as the form will not save a draft.
2. FOR FACULTY NOMINATING ONLY- Student’s Personal Statement- Maximum of 1 page outlining the student's teaching philosophy (if teaching) and/or describing their responsibilities, innovative and/or impactful contributions to support faculty, students, and the learning environment.

Evaluation Criteria

The nomination forms will ask the nominator to briefly describe the relationship with the nominee and provide brief but specific examples of each of the following criteria:

• Contributions to Student Learning
• Reflective Teaching Practices and/or Academic Support
• Leadership/Potential Growth
• Creativity and Innovation

The last questions asks what makes the TA truly outstanding.

Award Selection & Distribution

The Graduate College appoints a diverse group of faculty and professional staff representing Drexel's Colleges and Schools to review nominations and select University-level awardees based on the evaluation criteria. Awards are usually distributed each year at a Graduate Student Day awards ceremony and reception. Graduating awardees are also listed in the official Commencement program and may also be recognized during their individual College or School Commencement ceremony.

If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate College at gradawards@drexel.edu.

Visit the Graduate College website for more information about the Graduate Student Excellence Awards.