Excellence in General Education Teaching

The CAS Award for Excellence in General Education Teaching is presented each fall at the CAS Convocation to faculty who have regularly taught lower-division general education courses and are exceptional teachers of those courses. Exceptional teaching is defined as creativity and excellence in pedagogy alongside student success in learning. The award includes a plaque and a $1,000 base salary increase. Two awards are presented each year: one for tenure‐track or tenured faculty and one for non-tenure-track faculty.

2024 Winner — Haridus Heitz

For 21 years, Dr. Heitz has been one of the most consistent and best teachers in the philosophy department, according to his nominators. “He’s a real gem,” they wrote. His colleagues are regularly inspired by his teaching artistry and impressed by his commitment to providing students with meaningful learning experiences where they challenge assumptions, develop independent thinking capabilities and expand understandings of diversity and beliefs. Dr. Heitz excels at thoughtfully translating complex philosophical ideas into concepts that are accessible and relevant to students across disciplines, from the sciences to the humanities. Dr. Heitz truly embodies what it means to be an outstanding educator.

2024 Winner — Allison Dorko

Dr. Dorko is known for positively and effectively interacting with students. Her attention to detail in the development of her students’ understanding is impressive, benefitting them tremendously. Dr. Dorko expresses a great deal of care for students’ well-being and learning, to which they respond positively. She is particularly effective at drawing out contributions from quieter students and asking all students to participate. Dr. Dorko consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to innovative and effective teaching practices. In addition, she’s created excellent instructional videos that have increased student connection to the content. Her department nominators called her “the epitome of an excellent professor.”