Nine Washington State University faculty have received 2026 awards from the WSU Teaching Academy for their noteworthy accomplishments in teaching scholarship and practice.
“The WSU Teaching Academy is honored to recognize the excellence of these educators with our awards. Their achievements truly elevate teaching and learning at the university and help advance an institutional culture where instructors are driven to lead students into deep and lasting understanding,” said Kate Watts, academy chair. She also thanked Nicholas Cerruti, grants and awards chair; Blythe Duell, Book Club chair; and their teams for evaluating nominations.
The awards made include the Outstanding Publication, Excellence in Teaching a Large Class, and Book Club awards.
Outstanding Publication Award
The 2026 Outstanding Publication in the Scholarship of Teaching in Higher Education Award recognizes Yuliya Ardasheva, Sarah Newcomer, Yun-Ji Hsiao, and Shannon Calderone for their article, “Infusing Teacher-Preparation Curriculum with Case-Based Instruction Focused on Culturally Responsive, Sustaining Pedagogy: Comparing Instructor-Facilitated and Instructor-Supported Approaches,” published in Instructional Science.
The committee selected this publication for its rigorous research design, publication in a leading international journal, and meaningful contribution to the scholarship of teaching and learning. The study demonstrates how case-based instructional modules can strengthen teacher candidates’ knowledge, confidence, and ability to serve culturally and linguistically diverse students while providing a model that can be adapted across professional disciplines. The committee also recognized the work for its innovation, broad impact, and potential to improve learning for future educators and the students they will serve.
Award for Excellence in Teaching a Large Class
Dr. Julia Day received the 2026 Award for Excellence in Teaching a Large Class for creating engaging, inclusive learning experiences in high-enrollment courses. Through thoughtful course design, active learning strategies, and meaningful real-world projects, she helps students develop both confidence and professional skills. Her well-organized Canvas courses, commitment to student feedback, and genuine investment in student success create an environment where students are supported both academically and personally.
Dr. Hongtao Dang received the 2026 Award for Excellence in Teaching a Large Class for his outstanding instruction in Construction Graphics. His courses combine clear instruction with multiple modes of learning, including lectures, peer review, videos, and flipped classroom activities that allow students to practice new skills with timely feedback. Through community-engaged service-learning projects and an emphasis on teamwork, mentorship, and continuous improvement, Dr. Dang prepares students with both the technical expertise and professional skills needed for success in the construction industry.
Book Club Awards
Following her participation in the Teaching Academy Book Club, Dr. Laura Kuhlman redesigned a major assignment in English 302 to give students greater flexibility and creative choice. Students could choose to rewrite the ending of Northanger Abbey, reimagine one of its characters, or create another original adaptation. The revised assignment increased student engagement while allowing students to demonstrate their learning in ways that reflected their individual interests and strengths.
After participating in the Teaching Academy Book Club, Dr. Julie Larsen introduced greater flexibility into experiential learning assignments in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. Students delivering educational presentations in the community were able to choose from a wider range of community settings, resulting in overwhelmingly positive student feedback and stronger connections between course content and community engagement.
Inspired by the Teaching Academy Book Club, Dr. Dana Bowers redesigned assessment in her graduate pharmacy courses by replacing one exam with a creative project. Students applied pharmacokinetic principles to a medication of their choice and selected from multiple formats—including infographics, narrated presentations, podcasts, or TikTok-style videos—to communicate their findings. She also incorporated scaffolded support through virtual check-ins and reflective activities. Initial student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.