Awards | Center for Integrated Professional Development

CIPD offers award programs that recognize outstanding teaching and support innovative approaches to pedagogy. These opportunities are designed to elevate instructional excellence and encourage creative, student-centered practices in all learning environments.

Outstanding University Teacher Awards Program

ISU annually honors exceptional teachers through the Outstanding University Teacher Award, which reflects its commitment to teaching excellence and student learning. The University Teaching Council oversees the program, selecting winners based on sustained, mindful teaching—marked by continuous improvement, use of effective practices, and reflective growth.

Award Recipients

Each year, we highlight exceptional contributions in teaching and learning.

Meet the recipients

Nomination Process

Learn how nominees are selected, how portfolios are prepared, and what steps follow at each level of review. While the process is similar across awards, there are key differences to know.

Explore Eligibility and Process

Award Categories

Each award has its own criteria and steps. Select a category below to view its specific eligibility and application details.

Portfolio Preparation

A teaching portfolio is used to showcase nominee’s teaching philosophy, instructional practices, and impact on student learning. Content requirements are designed to help contextualize the nominee’s teaching record and demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence throughout their academic career.

Learn more about Portfolio Preparation

Chizmar & Ostrosky Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

The Dr. John Chizmar & Dr. Anthony Ostrosky Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award recognizes and encourages high quality and quantity of scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) work at Illinois State University.

Explore Award

College Level Teaching Awards

Colleges around campus also recognize their most outstanding teachers through award programs. These programs and procedures are conducted by each college and are separate from the UTC’s university-level award program. Please consult each college’s teaching award website for details on college-level programs. Links to each are below.