Be recognized for sharing your knowledge and skills with fellow educators.
The Distinguished Educator designation is the highest honor in Academy membership. It is awarded to a faculty member who consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching and peer mentoring to promote the development of the next generation of effective and innovative teachers.
Due to the competitive nature and prestige of the award, no more than two individuals will be named Distinguished Educators each award cycle.
Description
Benefits
Requirements
Application
Distinguished Educators are UNMC faculty members who serve as trusted resources and help guide their colleagues in developing teaching skills, enhancing pedagogical approaches and improving student learning outcomes.
They engage and inspire students and educators to learn, think critically, encourage collaboration, and foster a supportive culture of teaching and learning at UNMC.
Distinguished Educators are committed to faculty and student success and demonstrate the impact of their teaching and mentoring. They continuously seek to improve their teaching practice and stay current with the latest pedagogical research and innovations.
Distinguished Educators must have demonstrated evidence of teaching proficiency, innovation, robust application of pedagogical approaches and learning based on evidence-based practices.
The Distinguished Educator designation is the highest honor in Academy membership. As such, it comes with additional benefits, on top of what you gain as an Academy Member.
Opportunity to note oneself as an “IAE Distinguished Educator” for P&T, teaching awards and other opportunities
Recognition at IAE Induction Ceremony
IAE Digital Service Transcript
Automatic Academies Collaborative Speaker’s Bureau Member
The nominee must hold a faculty appointment and demonstrate excellence in service, teaching, mentoring, educational scholarship, continuous self and professional development, and empowering other educators at UNMC.
Academy Membership Requirements Applicants must be an active Academy Member for at least two years at the time of applying to be a Distinguished Educator.
Associate, Affiliate and Emeritus Members are not eligible.
Activity Requirements Distinguished Educators are required to engage in at least three of the following activities per year and complete a renewal process every five years to maintain the designation:
Serve as an active member of the Distinguished Educators Special Interest Group
Serve as an active IAE teaching peer feedback trainer/mentor
Complete at least two peer feedback reviews each year (or as needed)
Participate in Teaching Launchpad yearly as a contributor or organizer
Participate in InnovatED Symposium yearly as a contributor or organizer
Mentor 1-2 IAE members per year (formal mentees assigned by IAE)
Lead a unique teaching or mentoring initiative (TBD by IAE leadership and Distinguished Educator)
Applications are by self-nomination. To apply, faculty should submit the online application, which will include:
Teaching Narrative Learn how to write a teaching narrative
Letters of Recommendation (4 are required):
1 letter from your department chair or director
1 letter from your college dean or institute director
2 letters from your teaching mentees (advised/coached/guided or formally mentored) and/or students (current or previous)
Digital Educational Portfolio The e-portfolio consists of the following pages (see rubric for requirements):
Associate Professor Chair, Department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences Director, Physical Therapy Education College of Allied Health Professions
Dr. Becker is an esteemed educator and leader at UNMC. Her career is marked by innovative teaching methodologies and research in educational technology, instructional development and curricular design. Committed to advising and mentorship, she guides students and faculty toward excellence, fostering effective professional networks.
Dr. Becker’s influence extends beyond UNMC, evidenced by her contribution at both state and national levels, advancing educational initiatives and policies. Her strategic guidance fosters collaborative learning environments, enhancing student experiences and promoting faculty development across UNMC’s Kearney and Omaha campuses.
