The Somers Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes graduate teaching assistants who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, innovation and creativity in undergraduate teaching. Nominees are recommended by faculty and students for their strong ability to promote meaningful student-teacher interaction, as well as in creating a classroom environment that encourages active learning and critical thinking.
Sarah Jacobson and Adrienne Tyrey are two of the five receipents of the award this year. The Somers Award is given by the selection committee only after careful consideration of an awards candidate’s student evaluations (and other materials provided by each candidate). The intention of the Somers Award is to honor graduate student teachers for distinguished practice and to encourage others to follow their examples. In naming them a winner, they recognize your performance as exemplary.