Penn State University

Teaching Awards Eligibility Criteria

Previous recipients of these awards are not eligible for a second award. Eisenhower Award recpients are not eligible to receive an Atherton Award because they have already received Penn State's highest honor for teaching excellence.

Basic Eligibility

All candidates must meet the following:

  • Undergraduate teaching as a primary responsibility
  • At least 3 years teaching undergraduates full-time at Penn State
  • Full-time appointment at Penn State (tenure-line, teaching, or clinical)
  • Current faculty or recent retiree (within one year).

Additional Award-Specific Criteria

George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching Award

See above (no additional criteria)

Milton S. Eisenhower Award for Distinguished Teaching

  • Tenured
  • At least 10 years teaching undergraduates full-time at Penn State
  • Candidate packet must include evidence of:
    • mentoring other Penn State faculty for teaching
    • sharing teaching expertise with other faculty
    • career-long commitment to undergraduate teaching excellence

Alumni Association Teaching Fellow Award for Excellence in Teaching

  • Tenured
  • Agree to additional Alumni Association obligations

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Awards Process

Penn State University