School of Arts and Sciences

Professor Mark A. Ratner Distinguished Teaching Awards

The Professor Mark A. Ratner Distinguished Teaching Awards were created by Brandeis Trustee and alumnus Ronald Ratner ’69, along with his wife, Deborah Ratner. The inspiration for this gift stems from the couple's admiration for the liberal arts education Mr. Ratner received at his alma mater and in recognition of Mr. Ratner's parents' deep affection for the university. 

The Professor Mark A. Ratner Distinguished Teaching Awards recognize tenured faculty in the Divisions of Creative Arts and Humanities who demonstrate innovative teaching and extraordinary records of engaging, motivating, and inspiring students and making a difference in their students' educations, lives, and careers. Each Award winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, a $15,000 teaching enhancement fund to foster innovative teaching methods and strengthen collaboration with students, as well as $5,000 to support the faculty member's research or creative activity. Two awards will be made each year.

The recipients will be selected by the Dean of Arts and Sciences upon the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, the Division Heads of Creative Arts and Humanities, and previous award recipients (after the first year). 

Contact Lauren Buckley, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs, with any additional questions.

Eligibility

The Professor Mark A. Ratner Distinguished Teaching Awards recognize tenured faculty in the Divisions of Creative Arts and Humanities. Faculty who have previously won a Ratner Award are not eligible to apply.

Selection Criteria

Recipients will be selected based on:

• Demonstrated impact on student learning and development
• Use of innovative, student-centered teaching practices
• Integration of research and teaching and engagement of students in Creative Arts and Humanities research
• Potential impact of proposed teaching enhancement plans
• Evidence of teaching impact from course evaluations

Application/Nomination Process

To be considered for this award, applicants should submit the following form.

Applications are due by February 14, 2025.

We also welcome nominations; faculty who are nominated will be notified and encouraged to apply.

Nominations should also be submitted to Lauren Buckley by February 3, 2025.