Teaching affects people. It plays a role and serves life lessons for students and even professors themselves.
Charles Hall, an associate professor of English and a 2005/2006 Distinguished Teaching Award nominee, said he learned a lot about himself through teaching.
"I'm always really honored when I get nominated for an award like this," Hall said about his nomination for DTA this year.
Hall is one of 20 professors nominated for a DTA and hopes he will be one of the four recipients this spring.
A DTA has been awarded every year since 1967. Staff, faculty and students nominate two professors each , and in the spring the DTA committee evaluates each professor's classrooms with a 20-question form for each student. The chairs then evaluate each of their professors and four winners are chosen.
The University of Memphis Alumni Association also funds DTA, and should be given the most credit for the award's availability, according to Melinda Jones, the director of The University Honors Program.
Robert Frankle, an associate professor of history and co-chair of the DTA committee with Jones, said the award is a prestigious nomination and brings an honorable feeling.
"You appreciate the students and faculty who nominate you," he said.
In spring there will be four winners, and although they may not walk away with the prize, nomination is enough for many.
"It's very exciting for the finalists because nomination alone is an honor," Jones said.
Each nominee also has different qualities and those qualities have made the difference in the classrooms.
"We're looking for professors who excel in the classroom," Jones said.
Hall said his flexibility, empathy and willingness to challenge people have justified his nomination.
"I have a desire to help people. There are many good teachers who have the desire to help students and see what they can get out of it themselves," he said. "I'm truly impressed by some of the students we have."
Heidi Levitt, an assistant professor of psychology, said she always enjoys being with students and is happy for the nomination.
"It's very flattering," she said. "We have a lot of wonderful professors and I'm glad to be one of them."
