Brantz Award for Outstanding Teaching in Freshman Seminar

The Rennie W. Brantz award for outstanding aching in Freshman Seminar was established to recognize the tireless, inspired, and generous contributions Rennie Brantz made to his students, the Freshman Seminar program, and Appalachian State University.

Dr. Brantz is truly a master teacher and his accomplishments should be inspiration to others. This award celebrates the indelible mark Rennie made on the educational quality of Freshman Seminar while recognizing those instructors who serve with the same spirit, commitment, and enthusiasm that Rennie brought to his students and class.

Nomination Process:

At the end of each fall semester, a call for nominations will be sent out to all Freshman Seminar students, peer leaders, and instructors. Nominees will be notified of their selection and will be asked to submit a CV, syllabus, and a brief statement/philosophy of teaching freshmen.

Students, peer leaders, and faculty will be asked to nominate instructors based on the following factors:

• Unbridled enthusiasm in the classroom.
• Optimistic belief in the potential of every student.
• Creates a safe and open space in the classroom where students are free to take intellectual risks and form meaningful relationships.
• Generous with his or her time and energy.
• Motivates and inspires students by his or her love for learning and personal commitment to each student.
• Has demonstrated competence and expertise in the subject matter of Freshman Seminar.
• Connects learning of the classroom to the life of the community.
• Displays dedication and outward passion for learning and life.
• Intense desire to share knowledge in and out of classroom and appreciates and promotes learning in all contexts.
• Honors the uniqueness of every class and makes the routine feel like a new beginning.
• Intentional about creating meaningful relationships with students and makes students feel welcomed and special.
• Commitment to Freshman Seminar.

Selection Process:

A committee consisting of one faculty member, one Peer Leader, one Freshman Seminar student, the prior year's Brantz Award recipient, and the director of Freshman Seminar will select the winner from the eligible nominees. The winner will receive a $500 award and a plaque recognizing this important achievement. The winner will be publicly recognized at the New Directions conference the following August.

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