Brandeis Prize for Excellence in Teaching
The Louis Dembitz Brandeis Prize for Excellence in Teaching honors an individual for their outstanding teaching.
The $2,500 award is presented annually at the April faculty meeting.
Faculty, staff, students, and alumni are invited to submit nominations. The recipient is selected by the Dean of Arts and Sciences upon the recommendation of a committee consisting of three faculty, including previous Teaching Prize recipients, in consultation with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Decisions are based on nomination letters, teaching evaluations, Faculty Activity Reports and CVs. Nominations are due by March 1, 2023.
2022 Recipient

Keith Plaster
Senior Lecturer in Linguistics
Nominator Comments
- "Not only were all of his courses interesting in content, he was at all times committed to improving the learning experience for his students —he would shift the room setup in order to encourage discussion, was careful to encourage participation, and made sure each student understood the content."
- "He made consistent efforts in guiding students throughout their time in the program and preparingthem for their future whether or not that future involved Linguistics. It was an honor to be taught by, and work with, Professor Plaster and he is incredibly deserving of this award."
- "He is not only effective at leading a classroom, but the work he assigns is challenging and engaging."
Past Recipients
Year | Recipient | Department(s) |
---|---|---|
2021 | Lucía Reyes de Deu | Hispanic Studies |
2020 | Antonella Di Lillo | Computer Science |
2019 | Keith Merrill | Mathematics |
2018 | Kristen Mascall | Chemistry |
2017 | Daniel Breen | Legal Studies |
2016 | Claudia Novack | Chemistry |
2015 | Jennifer Cleary | Theater Arts |
2014 | Laura Goldin | Environmental Studies |
2013 | James Morris | Biology |
2012 | Irina Dubinina | German, Russian and Asisan Languages and Literature |
2011 | Eileen McNamara | Journalism |
2010 | Melissa Kosinski-Collins | Biology |
2009 | Bruce Foxman | Chemistry |
2008 | Marya Levenson | Education |
2007 | Lizbeth Hedstrom | Biochemistry and Chemistry |
2006 | Dan L. Perlman | Biology, Environmental Studies |
2005 | William Kapelle | History |
2004 | Olga Broumas | Creative Writing |
2003 | H. Michael Coiner | Economics |
2002 | Robert C. Hunt | Anthropology |
2001 | Mary Davis | American Studies |
2000 | Susan Parker | Mathematics |
1999 | Gordon Fellman | Sociology |
1998 | No prize awarded | |
1997 | Paola Servino | Romance and Comparative Literature (Italian) |
1996 | Raymond Knight | Psychology |
1996 | Chandler Fulton | Biology |
1995 | John Bush Jones | Theater Arts |
1994 | John Burt | English and American Literature |
1993 | Stephen Whitfield | American Studies |
1992 | Cheryl Walker | Classical Studies |
1991 | Peter Heller | Physics |
1990 | David Hackett Fischer | History |
1989 | Ann Koloski-Ostrow | Classical Studies |
1988 | Barney Schwalberg | Economics |
1987 | Emily Dudek | Chemistry |
1986 | John Smith | English and American Literature |