World Teachers’ Day 2025
On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the passionate educators who inspire minds and go above and beyond to support students in CLA. Thank you for all you do!
You bring us new perspectives and encourage us to do our best
Professor Nathaniel Mills helped me become a better writer. Before taking a class from him, I was not as confident in my abilities to write a comprehensive essay or build a convincing literary analysis. His social and political awareness made ENGL 3006W - Survey of American Literatures and Cultures II, which I took from him, refreshing and informative.
Michael Dunn, class of 2025, to Nathaniel Mills, English
I adored POL 3319: Education and the American Dream with Professor Abernathy and POL 4502W: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights with Professor Johnson. Both the subjects and the professors' teaching styles were so fascinating. I constantly felt engaged and my interest never waned.
Cierra Phillips, class of 2025, to Scott Abernathy and Timothy Johnson, political science
You support us in our studies and our lives
Dr. Jeremy Rose was so kind and cared deeply about each and every one of his students. I had him for two classes and still keep in touch with him, even though I haven't had him as a professor for over a year. Thank you!
Josie Frandrup, class of 2025, to Jeremy Rose, communication studies
[Dr. Rebecca Krug] is a dynamic, engaging, and rigorous teacher. She expects a lot of effort from her students, but gives 110% of that effort back. Her classes have no doubt been the most rewarding to me, and they have prepared me for the next stage of my life by teaching me how beautiful and all-encompassing education can be. I will always look at the world the way she taught me to, that is, with a keen eye, an inquisitive heart, and a deep appreciation for the details.
Joscelyn Sturm, class of 2025, to Rebecca Krug, English
You challenge us to think in new ways
Being a part of the Honors discussion group, where Dr. Liza Meredith was our discussion leader, allowed me to participate in memorable activities like various puzzles and riddles, marshmallow and spaghetti towers, and observing how children play at the Child Development Laboratory School for extra credit. It was truly my gateway into the wonderful world of psychology, and I’ve taken so many psychology courses since then.
Vivianne Nguyen, class of 2025, to Liza Meredith, psychology
Gateways to French and Francophone Studies teaches history in an engaging way through role-play, using pedagogical material from Reacting to the Past Consortium.
Read "Avant-garde Curriculum Meets Avant-garde Art: Students Roleplay 19th-century French Artists"
Meet our award-winning instructors
We celebrate the 2025 recipients of these teaching honors from the University and CLA.
Visit the Faculty of Distinction page to learn more.
Arthur "Red" and Helene B. Motley Exemplary Teaching Award
Each year since 1994, the College of Liberal Arts has recognized a select group of faculty who are outstanding teachers of graduate and undergraduate students. The award is named in honor of Arthur “Red” Motley, who was an alumnus of the University, a charter member of the University of Minnesota Foundation and a recipient of the University’s highest honor, the Regents Award. In keeping with the qualities embodied by Red Motley, this award is designed to reward top educators who demonstrate their passion and commitment to teaching and is made possible through a gift from the family and friends of Red Motley and alumni of the college.
Learn more about the Motley Exemplary Teaching Award
Jane Blocker, art history
Kirsten Fischer, history
CLA’s Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award
Each year the College of Liberal Arts recognizes select instructors who are outstanding teachers of undergraduate students, rewarding their passion and commitment to teaching.
Learn more about the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award
She doesn’t just teach. She inspires. Meet Marisol Galicia Estevez, recipient of CLA’s 2025 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award.
Read "Marisol Galicia Estevez Receives CLA’s Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award"
Sara Finney’s visionary approach to teaching has won her CLA’s 2025 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award.
Read "Sara Finney Receives CLA’s Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award"
Distinguished Teachers Morse-Alumni Award
Each year since 1965-66, the University of Minnesota has recognized a select group of faculty members for their outstanding contributions to undergraduate education.
Learn more about the Distinguished Teachers Morse-Alumni Award
Teresa Toguchi Swartz's scholarship focuses on families, race and racism, social support, and well-being. A longtime leader in diversity and program development, Swartz has taught and mentored thousands of University of Minnesota students. She creates learning experiences that are student-centered, inclusive, engaging, and dynamic, inspiring her students to think critically about our most pressing social problems and to creatively imagine possibilities for positive social change.
Nominate a CLA Professor or Instructor for a Teaching Award
Would you like to recognize a CLA instructor who made a difference in your life?
We are accepting nominations for our exemplary teaching awards. These awards recognize faculty and instructors who exemplify the highest standards of teaching and scholarship and who have enhanced the lives of University of Minnesota Twin Cities College of Liberal Arts students. To be considered for one of these awards, faculty and instructors must be nominated by five current and/or former students.
Nominate an outstanding CLA faculty member by Friday, November 7, 2025.
