Through the Distinguished Teacher Award, the University of Cape Town acknowledges the primary place of teaching and learning in the university’s work. Permanent academic members of staff who have taught at UCT for a minimum of five years full-time while under academic conditions of service are eligible for nomination.

Teaching may include postgraduate supervision and encompasses a wide range of educational activities.

Each nominee is evaluated on their distinct contribution to teaching and learning at UCT, including:

• A teaching philosophy and pedagogical approach that demonstrates contextually responsive pedagogy addressing teaching and learning challenges at UCT and beyond
• Innovative contributions to curriculum design, renewal, and transformation
• Engagement in the scholarly exploration, documentation, and dissemination of teaching and learning
• Meaningful impact on student learning, development, and engagement
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and equitable learning environments
• Active contribution to enhancing colleagues’ teaching and learning practices
• Evidence of continuous reflection and adaptation of teaching
• For those nominated primarily for postgraduate teaching: excellence in supervision, mentorship, and advocacy that foster research capacity, timely completion, and professional growth

Nominations

Nominations should be submitted by email and addressed to the committee. Nominations must consist of a detailed statement making the case for the award in line with the above criteria.

Upon acceptance of the nomination, nominees will be required to prepare a teaching portfolio of no more than 25 pages, excluding appendices.

For further information, please email the committee.

Past recipients

See the UCT News feature page.

Information supplied by:
Amanda-Petra Barratt
Tel: +27 (0)21 650 2614

Updated: 21 November 2023