Award Description
The ASA Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award honors ASA members' outstanding contributions to the teaching of undergraduate and/or graduate sociology. The award recognizes contributions that have made a significant impact on the manner in which sociology is taught at a regional, state, national, or international level. These contributions may include preparation of teaching- and curriculum-related materials and publications, participation in the scholarship of teaching and learning, development and communication of innovative teaching techniques, leadership in teaching-related workshops and symposia, involvement in innovative program development, and contributions to the enhancement of teaching within state, regional, or national associations.
The award typically is given for a series of contributions spanning several years or an entire career, although it may recognize a single project of exceptional impact. The award is not designed to recognize outstanding teaching ability at one’s own institution unless that is part of a career with broader impact. Individuals, departments, schools, or other collective actors are eligible. Nominations should include the name of the nominee and a one to two page statement explaining the basis of the nomination (maximum 2000 words), a vita, and a maximum of 5 letters of support.
Criteria for evaluation will include undergraduate and/or graduate teaching contributions that go beyond the local department; teaching honors and recognitions; a significant contribution to the teaching and learning of sociology such as preparing teaching materials, innovative teaching techniques and curricula disseminated to a broad audience; publications and participation in the scholarship of teaching and learning; leadership in workshops, symposia, or regional/national teaching efforts; innovative program development; and/or contributions to teaching enhancement at the state, regional, national and/or international level.
Send nominations to: American Sociological Association, c/o Governance, 1430 K Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005; fax: (202) 638-0882; e-mail governance@asanet.org. The deadline for the 2012 award is January 31, 2012.
| Name | Begin | End | Position |
| Maxine P. Atkinson | 1/1/2012 | 12/31/2014 | Member |
| Rebecca Bach | 1/1/2010 | 12/31/2012 | Chair |
| Elizabeth Grauerholz | 1/1/2012 | 12/31/2014 | Member |
| Carol A. Jenkins | 1/1/2011 | 12/31/2013 | Member |
| Kathleen McKinney | 1/1/2011 | 12/31/2013 | Member |
| Wendy Ng | 1/1/2011 | 12/31/2013 | Member |
| Mindy Stombler | 1/1/2010 | 12/31/2012 | Member |
| Kerry J. Strand | 1/1/2010 | 12/31/2012 | Member |
| Eleanor Townsley | 1/1/2012 | 12/31/2014 | Member |
Recipients of the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Major ASA Award
2011 - Maxine Atkinson
2010 - Keith Roberts
2009 - Carla B. Howery
2008 - Carol Jenkins & Elizabeth Grauerholz (co-winners)
2007 - Edward Kain
2006 - Kathleen McKinney
2004 - Jeanne Ballantine
2003 - Robert M. Hauser and Michael Burawoy
2002 - John Macionis
2001 - Department of Sociology, Indiana University
2000 - George Ritzer
1999 - William G. Roy
1998 - Sociology Major Program, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Santa Clara University
1997 - Robert R. Alford
1996 - Vaneeta D'Andrea
1995 - Dean S. Dorn
1994 - Reece McGee
1992 - Theodore C. Wagenaar
1991 - no award given
1990 - Southwest Texas State University Sociology Program
1989 - James A. Davis
1988 - Sharon McPherron and Charles A. Goldsmid
1987 - William A. Gamson
1986 - Sister Marie Augusta Neal
1985 - University of Kentucky Department of Sociology
1984 - Joseph Bensman
1983 - David Riesman
1982 - John C. Pock
1981 - Hans O. Mauksch
1980 - Everett K. Wilson