Scheduling time means the time when students talk about past courses and teachers, and many warn their peers of which to steer clear from.
Student Government officers Aimee Verrette and Jimmy Vermaelen saw a chance to focus on something different instead by holding the first SG Teacher Appreciation Nomination drive this semester from Oct. 27 to Nov. 21.
Verrette said the idea stemmed from a brainstorming session with Vermaelen to let students submit names of teachers they are dissatisfied with.
“He thought we could get those names and check up on them,” Verrette said. “But I thought instead of thinking about the negative, we could do something positive and reward the good teachers.”
She said this award is unique to other University teacher awards because this is student-run and represented by SG.
“We want to let the teachers know students notice good teachers and instructors,” Verrette said. “Students are here to be taught, and we want them to know we appreciate what they do.”
She said the idea came before the University’s decision to phase out instructors for more tenure-track and doctorate professors, but Vermaelen said the award has more significance in light of the situation.
“You always hear about people complaining about teachers,” he said. “This way we can award those teachers instead who are doing a great job.”
Vermaelen said giving the award could have other effects, such as motivating them to continue what they are doing or influencing other teachers to work more with students.
“I think the key is when teachers are able to get feedback, they will know if they’re doing something well and keep them in touch with what the students like,” he said. “I think they’ll be able to see what works and what doesn’t, and that will cause a chain reaction and improve the quality of teaching.”
Students like Curt Boidelon, an education junior, and Lindsay Watts, a psychology senior, said they have had exceptional teachers before and like the idea of commending them.
Boidelon said he would nominate English professor Marc Sanders because he likes the laid-back atmosphere in his classroom.
“I’m taking him now, and it’s really relaxed,” he said. “We have to read stories but he doesn’t pass out evaluation forms. We talk about what we read instead, and it gives all students a chance to participate.”
Watts said she would nominate Craig Wheeler, her former Latin professor, because of his dedication to his students.
“Latin is very hard no matter what, and he’ll take time to work with you if he can see you’re having problems.” Watts said. “He works way more hours than he’s paid for, and he really wants us to succeed.”
Wheeler said he was honored to know one of his students appreciated his teaching technique, especially because he is known for pushing his students. He said he thinks the award is a good idea considering the cut to instructor staff in English and math.
“It’s a good thing especially under the circumstances of this shipwreck, or Flagship Agenda,” he said. “They’re about to throw the rowers overboard. I’m an instructor, and I know we don’t get too much recognition.”
Kerry Sauley, a management professor and nominee, said it is quite an honor to know he has been nominated.
“To me it’s always nice to hear that students enjoy your teaching,” Sauley said. “This kind of stuff really motivates you and provides an incentive to teach better in the future. I know any time a student comes up to me after class and says, ‘That was really great,’ I can’t wait to get back in the classroom.”
Students who want to nominate their favorite teachers can e-mail nominations to [email protected] or [email protected].
Verrette said she has received four e-mails so far but expects to get more as students learn about the nomination drive.
After the Nov. 21 deadline, SG will choose 15 teachers and give an award to recognize their excellence in teaching, Vermaelen said.