A. Merit as a Teacher

1. Knowledge/Command of Subject Matter

   A meritorious teacher:

   1. Selects primary/secondary literature for courses that is relevant, current, from recognized authorities, and updated regularly;
   2. Demonstrates depth/range of subject matter either by teaching at a variety of course levels (introductory, intermediate, advanced, or graduate) or by enriching regularly taught courses with a variety of techniques/resources or inquiry-based initiatives. (updated 4/5/16)
   3. Relates course content to other disciplines or subjects; and
   4. Develops new single‐discipline courses and/or interdisciplinary courses, or undertakes new preparations; considerably redesigns or significantly updates new preparations when first taking responsibility for existing courses or possible QEP-related changes to course(s). (updated 4/5/16)
2. Course Content

   A meritorious teacher:

   1. Assures that course content is timely, reflects current research, and is updated regularly; courses include alternative/divergent views or research findings, if appropriate;
   2. Clearly states learning objectives on syllabi and addresses those objectives; learning objectives are consistent with department, college, and University missions/goals;
   3. Designs prerequisite course content to prepare students adequately for following courses;
   4. Establishes a level of difficulty appropriate for the course level and the students enrolled and has rigorous expectations for student learning; and
   5. Plans projects, laboratory work, and other out‐of‐classroom assignments that are meaningful, and that relate to and reinforce in‐class lessons/course goals and/or incorporates inquiry-based service learning or community engagement components into assignments and projects. (Updated 4/5/16)
3. Course Structure, Organization, and Course Materials

   A meritorious teacher:

   1. Provides syllabi, which are thorough, detailed, and clear; specifies appropriate prerequisite courses; clearly/fully identifies additional needed materials;
   2. Organizes course content logically, with sufficient time allotted for each topical area;
   3. Selects or prepares secondary literature, cases, manuals, etc., which are organized and clearly reproduced; and
   4. Plans the amount and degree of difficulty of out‐of‐classroom assignments appropriately.
4. Classroom Performance

   A meritorious teacher:

   1. Is well prepared for each class and is enthusiastic about the subject;
   2. Presents the material clearly and comprehensively; speaks clearly and understandably, and uses appropriate examples; and
   3. Employs alternative presentation methods to stimulate/retain student interest and understanding; verifies that students are grasping the lecture topics.
5. Basic Skills and Concepts are Integrated into Courses

   A meritorious teacher:

   1. Integrates modern media and techniques (e.g. computers) into courses;
   2. Includes, appropriately, the following integrated/evaluated skills and concepts:
      1. Student communication skills (writing and speaking)
      2. Student analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, including group interaction and/or community engagement. (updated 4/5/16)
      3. Ethical considerations and/or social responsibilities
      4. Cultural diversity and globalization issues
6. Procedures for Evaluating Student Work

   A meritorious teacher:

   1. Establishes unambiguous course grading procedures and classroom policies and communicates them in writing at the beginning of the course;
   2. Uses various grading components, reasonable grading component weights, and grading procedures which are objective and free from potential bias;
   3. Designs tests/assignments to reflect material covered and to fit allotted time;
   4. Employs various testing techniques/formats; uses exam items that are clear and well written; constructs tests to the level of the stated learning objectives on the syllabus;
   5. Provides means to inform students of academic progress or deficiencies;
   6. Distributes letter grades appropriately for the course levels, types of students enrolled, teaching style/approach; and
   7. Upholds academic integrity standards.
7. Relationship with Students

   A meritorious teacher:

   1. Fosters an atmosphere conducive to learning; stimulates interest in the subject; encourages creativity, new ideas, and new approaches to problems; challenges students to grow;
   2. Is patient; listens to/answers questions adequately; is fair to all;
   3. Is responsive to individual unique learning needs both in and outside the classroom, including extra tutoring, remedial sessions, or laboratory assistance; and
   4. Promotes student respect for the instructor’s academic skills/knowledge; students rate him/her well with respect to other faculty.
   5. Collaborates with students on faculty-led research projects. (Updated 4/5/16)
8. Instructor Reliability and Flexibility

   A meritorious teacher:

   1. Begins classes on time, uses the entire allotted time, and seldom needs to cancel or reschedule classes;
   2. Is responsive to University needs: teaches additional courses or directed studies; schedules courses when needed; contributes to courses that support QEP-initiatives. (updated 4/5/16)
   3. Teaches remedial/preparatory courses or required courses as well as specialized or elective courses; and
   4. Is effective and adapts well to teaching exceptionally small or large classes and independent student research projects.