A&S Faculty Demonstrate Outstanding Teaching Innovation

The Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center (TLTC) announced a new award spotlighting faculty members who have been involved with the center and used services, programs, workshops, software and more to creatively enhance their classes. This annual award features faculty members nominated by TLTC staff and celebrates those faculty they are privileged to work with at Texas Tech. The emphasis on good teaching cannot stray from the mission of the university, and we recognize these individuals for their "above and beyond" efforts to connect with and engage students.

Dr. Idoia Elola

Assistant Professor
Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures

Dr. Idoia Elola was recognized for her work with the TEACH Program. The TEACH (Teaching Effectiveness And Career enHancement) Program assists Ph.D. students in further developing teaching skills and exploring faculty roles. Program activities include one-on-one consultation, instructor videotaping, comprehensive class feedback, peer observations, project work with a faculty mentor, workshop attendance, and the development of a professional teaching portfolio. Dr. Elola has been a TEACH faculty mentor several times, even mentoring two TEACH fellows in one semester. Graduate students who have the opportunity to work with her find that she will dedicate time and energy to help prepare them to be future faculty members, and indeed, they are fortunate to have her mentorship.

Dr. Melanie Hart

Associate Professor
Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences

Dr. Melanie Hart was specifically recognized for her work with online and distance education. Anyone who knows Dr. Hart will recognize that she is almost always connected to her computer and her online students. A self-confessed "boring" lecturer at the beginning of her teaching career, Dr. Hart can't be called boring any longer. She reaches out to students with online supplementary materials and web development through BlackBoard as a way of involving students online. Dr. Hart is truly an exemplary online teacher.

Dr. Marjean Purinton

Professor
English

Dr. Marjean Purinton is a long-time supporter of the TLTC and a senior faculty member on the TTU campus. We particularly appreciate her voice in the faculty reading circle and her reminders to others to consider the needs of those in the Humanities and of underrepresented groups. This same reflective spirit is represented in the classroom where Dr. Purinton pushes students to think critically and examine what they believe. When Dr. Purinton speaks, we know that her comments will be carefully articulated and thoughtful. She has volunteered heavily in the TEACH Program, and sits on the TLTC Advisory Committee.