What It Means to Teach
From the Winners of the Regents 2002 Teaching Excellence Awards

Leonard Gambrell
Professor of Political Science, UW-Eau Claire

Leonard Gambrell receives his teaching award from Regent James Klauser. (Jay Salvo)

"Outstanding teachers must demonstrate a passion for learning and a passion for learning about their own subject matter. No student is going to be impressed by any high-powered, complex notions, theories or ideas that are only passively presented. Students enjoy seeing that we believe in the importance of what we are doing. . .

"Good instructors will do what we ask of our students. It is important for our students to know that we are doing research, writing and, above all else, engaging in critical thinking about our own ideas and beliefs. It is important to find ways to share this work with students and to show them that learning is difficult, but also very rewarding."

Keith Rice
Professor of Geography and Geology, UW-Stevens Point

Keith Rice receives his teaching award from Regent Jose Olivieri. (Jay Salvo)

"Everyone, teacher and student, is a distinctive individual who have their own traits and qualities. All of us cannot be enchanting storytellers or mesmerizing entertainers, but the best teachers find a way of stimulating and enlightening so that students gain a true appreciation and comprehension of a subject. My teaching also shifts in approach and style depending on the topic and size of the class—from lecture hall pontificator and magician to one-on-one counselor and inquisitor—the role of a teacher must be flexible and interactive. . .

"In the end, the litmus test of my teaching equation is ascertaining if my students have not only gained knowledge of a subject, but have also gained independence and selfconfidence in themselves to continue the learning process in both their professional and personal life. Every time I pass that test, I am rewarded as a teacher."

UW-Extension / Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development Program
Award Accepted by Professor Greg Hutchins

Gregg Hutchins receives the teaching award on behalf of his department from Regent Elizabeth Burmaster. (Jay Salvo)

"All of us in 4-H work daily to implement the Wisconsin Idea, but when your classrooms are the communities of the state, you sometimes feel that you are a long way from the university. This award instantly shrinks that distance and reminds us that the statewide 4-H Youth Development program is not only a fundamental part of this university, but now is also an honored part of this prestigious university system. . .

"4-H has deep roots in our Wisconsin communities. For many people, the community 4-H club is their first and closest contact with the UW System. And we're constantly striving to make those contacts ever more meaningful and valuable to our constituents. . .

"4-H is also deeply rooted in partnerships-public-private partnerships, campus-community partnerships, youth-adult partnerships. . . The adult volunteers who work with our 4-H youth best exemplify our community partnerships. But undoubtedly our most important partnership is with the youth of Wisconsin."