About the Award
The Distinguished Teaching Award was established in 1995 and recognizes a University of Washington Tacoma faculty member. Recipients are chosen based on a variety of criteria including reflective teaching practice, commitment to inclusive teaching and mentoring, dedication to creating transformative learning experiences, and service as a mentor, collaborator, and consultant.
Nomination Information
Learn more about eligibility, criteria, and how to submit a nomination.
2023 Recipient
Ellen Bayer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
Dr. Bayer implements experiential learning strategies that take students outside the traditional classroom, helping to strengthen students’ deep and critical reflections on their natural environments. These experiential activities also allow students to draw connections between classroom learning and their own lived experiences. She centers inclusivity using diverse instructional practices, reading materials, and assessment methods. Dr. Bayer inquires about her students’ needs beyond the classroom and connects them with relevant supports across campus. She also mentors and collaborates with her faculty colleagues.
2022-2023 Committee
- Claudia Sellmaier, Assistant Professor and Committee Chair, School of Social Work & Criminal Justice
- Gordon Craig, Assistant Teaching Professor, Milgard School of Business
- Kivanc Dincer, Assistant Teaching Professor, School of Engineering & Technology
- Jutta Heller, Teaching Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- Christy McDaniel, Engineering and Sciences Librarian
- Alex Nutter, Associate Teaching Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
Past Recipients
- 2022 - Claudia Sellmaier, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work & Criminal Justice
- 2021 - Weichao Yuwen, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
- 2020 - Tanya Grace Velasquez, Associate Teaching Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- 2019 - Anaid Yerena, Assistant Professor, Urban Studies
- 2018 – Danica Sterud Miller, Assistant Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- 2017 - Divya McMillin, Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- 2016 - Yan Bai, Associate Professor, Institute of Technology
- 2015 - Ellen Moore, Lecturer, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Video "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Teaching: Engagement, Advocacy, Activism, Critical Pedagogy (and Teachable Moments)"
- 2014 - Donald Chinn, Associate Professor, Institute of Technology
- Video (Keating, Kingsfield, and Watson: Reflections on the Fiction and Reality of Teaching)
- 2013 - Carolyn West, Associate Professor, IAS
- 2012 - Christine Stevens, Associate Professor, Nursing
- 2011 - Matthew Weinstein, Professor, Education
- 2010 - Mark Pendras, Assistant Professor, Urban Studies
- 2009 - Janice Laakso, Associate Professor, Social Work
- 2008 - Richard Knuth, Assistant Professor, Education
- 2007 - Kent Nelson, Senior Lecturer, Milgard School of Business
- 2006 - Cheryl Greengrove, Associate Professor, IAS
- 2005 - Mike Allen, Professor, IAS
- 2004 - Beth Kalikoff, Assistant Professor, IAS
- 2003 - Ruth Rea, Assistant Professor, Nursing
- 2002 - John Peterson, Senior Lecturer, IAS
- 2001 - Jose Rios, Assistant Professor, Education
- 2000 - Julie Nicoletta, Associate Professor, IAS
- 1999 - Linda McElvey, Assistant Professor, Business Administration
- 1998 - June Lowenberg, Associate Professor, Nursing
- 1997 - Janet Primomo, Associate Professor, Nursing
- 1996 - Rob Crawford, Professor, IAS
- 1995 - Mike Kalton, Professor, IAS
