The Distinguished Teaching Award (DTA) recognizes exceptional teaching by UCR graduate students (TAs and Associates-In). Two awards are given annually, one for STEM and one for CHASS/allied schools. Recipients are honored at the spring Excellence in Teaching Banquet and receive a monetary prize.
Your teaching portfolio should include:
- A letter written by the nominee that describes how you are a distinguished teacher, what practices you employ in the classroom and what sets you apart from your graduate peers. (1-2 pages, single-spaced)
- Teaching philosophy statement (1-2 pages, single-spaced)
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness, some examples may include:
- a landscape of iEval scores (including an infographic of your scores) with reflection that includes where you have seen areas of improvement and growth and practices you are currently doing to engage areas of growth.
- an assignment you have written
- an assessment you have written
- a syllabus (i.e., an introductory syllabus in your field, an upper-level course in your specialty and/or a theory and method syllabus)
- a diversity statement that addresses your inclusive teaching practices
- a list of 4-5 course descriptions for courses you would like to teach in your optimal department (include assessment strategies, texts for the course and any other relevant information)
We will also include your iEval scores and comments from Spring 2025, Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 quarters in our evaluation of your portfolio. By submitting this portfolio, you grant us access to examine your scores for these specific quarters.
The portfolio must be submitted as one document (PDF) through this form by 11:59pm on Friday, April 17th, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Any questions or requests for additional information should be directed to tadp@ucr.edu