Faculty Resources
Awards
Outstanding teaching at Boston University is recognized in many ways and publicly honored by a variety of awards. Some of these awards are departmental, some are presented by the schools and colleges, and some by the University.
Boston University acknowledges many kinds of excellence in teaching. Some teachers are superb lecturers, others excel in seminar; some are outstanding in working with students in the laboratory, the studio, or the practice room; others turn large classrooms into lively and engaged communities of scholars. The diversity of pedagogical approaches is part of what makes a university intellectually exciting and, in principle, awards are intended to foster the spirit of discovery that is at the heart of great teaching.
Teaching awards not only express the community's gratitude to those individuals who excel in this difficult art, but they also celebrate the university's core values. The best university teachers exemplify the connections between creative research, high standards of personal performance, and a love of learning.
Boston University's highest awards for teaching are the Metcalf Cup and Prize and the Metcalf Awards, and the United Methodist Church Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award, established by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church. Endowed in 1974 by the late Arthur G.B. Metcalf, Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees, the Metcalf Prize and Metcalf Awards are presented at the University Commencement Ceremony in May. The Methodist University Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award is bestowed at the New Faculty Orientation ceremony in early September each year.
