The Professional Development Committee is excited to announce the opening of nominations for the Dornsife Excellence in Language Teaching Award. This newly established award celebrates excellence and dedication in language education at our institution.

We invite nominations of RTPC language faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding achievements over the last three academic years (2021–2024). This award recognizes individuals who excel in teaching and have significantly contributed to the language community through various commendable activities. Faculty from all RTPC ranks are eligible.


Evaluation Criteria:

Nominees should demonstrate:

  • Excellent student course evaluations.
  • Development or use of innovative materials and activities in the classroom.
  • Presentations on evidence-based or research-based SLA pedagogy at national or international conferences.
  • Receipt of research, educational, teaching innovation, or professional development grants related to language pedagogy.
  • Leadership or active service on pedagogical committees, working groups, or associations (departmental, college-level, state, or national), or mentoring of junior faculty or ALs.
  • Initiation, organization, or supervision of extracurricular events such as language clubs, movie nights, or cultural exchanges.

This award provides an opportunity to honor the hard work and impact of language faculty who go above and beyond in their commitment to language education and cultural enrichment.

There is no monetary compensation for the award.

Application Process: 

To apply, please submit the following materials covering the 2021–2024 academic years:

  1. A brief statement (approximately 500 words) highlighting your contributions, including reflections on the development or use of innovative materials and activities.
  2. Three complete sets of student evaluations (one per year from a language or culture course).
  3. A current CV, including an updated list of committee services and extracurricular activities organized.

Submission Deadline: All nominations must be submitted by March 24th to the CLC Professional Development Committee via email at soroosh@usc.edu