The Academic Planning & Quality Assurance Unit services the Distinguished Teacher Award Committee and manages the administration of the award.
About the award:
The Distinguished Teacher Award is the highest accolade awarded to teaching staff at all levels within the University of Cape Town (UCT). Through the award, the University recognises excellent teaching and acknowledges the primary place of teaching and learning in the institution’s work.
Each year the Distinguished Teachers Award Committee considers nominations made by students and staff on behalf of a number of excellent teachers. The committee examines each submission in detail in accordance with a carefully devised rubric, terms of reference and set of criteria.The Awards are formally announced at an appropriate graduation ceremony. A citation recognising the recipient is set out in the programme for the ceremony and a purse of R35 000 is attached to the award.
For more information, visit the Distinguished Teachers Awards list.
Criteria:
The committee examines each nominee’s portfolio for evidence of their distinct contribution to teaching and learning at UCT.
Candidates who accept a nomination must submit a portfolio that addresses the following:
- Their teaching philosophy and pedagogical approach in the context of the teaching and learning challenges in South African higher education
- Their contribution to curriculum renewal and transformation
- Their innovation in teaching and learning
- Their impact on their students, beyond formal teaching time
- Their impact on the teaching and learning approaches of their colleagues
- Their notion and practice of inclusivity in their teaching
- Their reflective teaching practices
Nominations:
The Committee may receive nominations from students or members of the academic staff or both. Nominations must consist of a detailed statement making the case for the award in line with the criteria.