Distinguished Teaching Award

The Distinguished Teaching Award (DTA) is presented each year to a UW Bothell faculty member in recognition of teaching that richly exemplifies the high standards at the heart of the academic mission of the University of Washington Bothell. The DTA recipient receives an honorarium and is recognized at the Awards of Excellence ceremony on the Seattle campus in June.

Selection process

The DTA selection committee, appointed by the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, is chaired by a previous DTA recipient and includes at least three faculty members, a current student representative and an alumni representative. The committee follows a process; after reviewing the nomination letters, the committee invites some or all nominees to submit a complete dossier of supporting materials. Based on consideration of dossiers, and criteria listed below a formal recommendation is made to the Executive Vice Chancellor.

Criteria for selection

The award review committee will select recipients based on the degree to which they exemplify and provide evidence of:

  • An iterative, reflective teaching practice with evidence of pedagogical experimentation and refinement over time
  • Commitment to inclusive teaching and mentoring and valuing students’ experiences
  • Dedication to creating transformative learning experiences that foster deep reflection and critical inquiry
  • Service as a mentor, collaborator, and consultant on teaching-related matters to other faculty and/or teaching assistants

Eligibility

  • Previous winners are ineligible
  • Recipients must be employed at UW during Spring of the award year

Nominations

Nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award are now closed. This award recognizes teaching that richly exemplifies the high standards at the heart of the academic mission of the University of Washington Bothell. 

*Note: the DTA nomination process for the Seattle and Tacoma campuses are separate. Nominations submitted to the Seattle DTA site will not be forwarded to UW Bothell.

Past recipients

Have questions?

View our Awards FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions.