CSWS affiliates Alison Schmitke and Courtney Thorsson are among the recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Awards from the Office of the Provost.
Schmitke, undergraduate degree program director in the College of Education, received a Herman Specialized Pedagogy Award for her work in curriculum design and creating equity-centered learning experiences during her 17 years on the faculty.
Thorsson, associate professor of English and faculty fellow, Clark Honors College, received a Herman Award for Specialized Pedagogy for her approach in teaching students that criticism can be an act of joyful creation by infusing her classes with innovative materials, including curated music playlists, visiting exhibitions at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and guest talks from visiting scholars.
Read the full story on this year's winners on the Office of the Provost's website.