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Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Major ASA Award


Award Description


The ASA Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award honors ASA members' outstanding contributions to the teaching of undergraduate and/or graduate sociology. The award recognizes contributions that have made a significant impact on the manner in which sociology is taught at a regional, state, national, or international level. These contributions may include preparation of teaching- and curriculum-related materials and publications, participation in the scholarship of teaching and learning, development and communication of innovative teaching techniques, leadership in teaching-related workshops and symposia, involvement in innovative program development, and contributions to the enhancement of teaching within state, regional, or national associations.

The award typically is given for a series of contributions spanning several years or an entire career, although it may recognize a single project of exceptional impact. The award is not designed to recognize outstanding teaching ability at one’s own institution unless that is part of a career with broader impact. Individuals, departments, schools, or other collective actors are eligible. Nominations should include the name of the nominee and a one to two page statement explaining the basis of the nomination (maximum 2000 words), a vita, and a maximum of 5 letters of support.

Criteria for evaluation will include undergraduate and/or graduate teaching contributions that go beyond the local department; teaching honors and recognitions; a significant contribution to the teaching and learning of sociology such as preparing teaching materials, innovative teaching techniques and curricula disseminated to a broad audience; publications and participation in the scholarship of teaching and learning; leadership in workshops, symposia, or regional/national teaching efforts; innovative program development; and/or contributions to teaching enhancement at the state, regional, national and/or international level. 

Send nominations to: American Sociological Association, c/o Governance, 1430 K Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005; fax: (202) 638-0882; e-mail governance@asanet.org. The deadline for the 2012 award is January 31, 2012.


Selection Committee Members
Name Begin End Position
Maxine P. Atkinson
1/1/2012 12/31/2014 Member
Rebecca Bach
1/1/2010 12/31/2012 Chair
Elizabeth Grauerholz
1/1/2012 12/31/2014 Member
Carol A. Jenkins
1/1/2011 12/31/2013 Member
Kathleen McKinney
1/1/2011 12/31/2013 Member
Wendy Ng
1/1/2011 12/31/2013 Member
Mindy Stombler
1/1/2010 12/31/2012 Member
Kerry J. Strand
1/1/2010 12/31/2012 Member
Eleanor Townsley
1/1/2012 12/31/2014 Member










Recipients of the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Major ASA Award

2004 - Jeanne Ballantine

2003 - Robert M. Hauser and Michael Burawoy

2002 - John Macionis

2001 - Department of Sociology, Indiana University

2000 - George Ritzer

1999 - William G. Roy

1998 - Sociology Major Program, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Santa Clara University

1997 - Robert R. Alford

1996 - Vaneeta D'Andrea

1995 - Dean S. Dorn

1994 - Reece McGee

1993 - Memphis State University Center for Research on Women (Bonnie Thornton Dill, Elizabeth Higginbotham, Lynn Weber)

1992 - Theodore C. Wagenaar

1991 - no award given

1990 - Southwest Texas State University Sociology Program

1989 - James A. Davis

1988 - Sharon McPherron and Charles A. Goldsmid

1987 - William A. Gamson

1986 - Sister Marie Augusta Neal

1985 - University of Kentucky Department of Sociology

1984 - Joseph Bensman

1983 - David Riesman

1982 - John C. Pock

1981 - Hans O. Mauksch

1980 - Everett K. Wilson