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Award for Excellence in Teaching

Learn more about the Award for Excellence in Teaching.

2026 Award for Excellence in Teaching Recipients

UIC’s most dedicated and outstanding teachers are acknowledged with the Award for Excellence in Teaching (AET).

Colin Haley

Colin Haley

Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences
College of Dentistry

Dr. Colin Haley has been a dedicated educator at the UIC College of Dentistry since 2012. He has been instrumental in the development and advancement of the curriculum in innumerable areas, bringing the latest pedagogies to dental education at UIC. Through his thoughtful and innovative approach, he has strengthened the curriculum with the application of small group
discussions and active learning.

Chris Kanich

Chris Kanich

Department of Computer Science
College of Engineering

Dr. Chris Kanich, Associate Professor in Computer Science, is a highly impactful educator. He understands UIC student needs, practices student-centered pedagogy, and continuously implements innovative learning technology into his classroom. He is also an effective faculty developer, leading and facilitating multiple University- and College-level teaching workshops that have helped his peers achieve education excellence.

Ann Lousin

Ann Lousin

UIC Law JD Program
School of Law

For more than a half century now, Professor Ann Lousin has been a professor at the UIC Law School (including years when the school was known as the John Marshall Law school). Dr. Lousin is an exceptional scholar and expert on the Illinois Constitution who has been recognized as extraordinary teacher. Her profound and unique experience offers UIC students invaluable insights into Commercial Law, Contract Law, and especially State Constitutional Law.

P. Zitlali Morales

P. Zitlali Morales

Department of Curriculum and Instruction
College of Education

Dr. P. Zitlali Morales is a Professor in Curriculum and Instruction at the College of Education and an affiliated faculty member in Latin American and Latino Studies. Her research focuses on the language practices of Latinx bilinguals, language ideologies in immigrant communities, and language education policy. As an outstanding teacher educator, Dr. Morales is attentive to her students and effectively connects theoretical concepts to real-life applications. She is dedicated to creating a comfortable classroom environment where students feel free to learn and express themselves. Additionally, she is recognized for her extensive mentoring and support of graduate students.

Ben Ost

Ben Ost

Department of Economics
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Dr. Ben Ost, Associate Professor in Economics, is a leading scholar in the economics of education and empirical microeconomics who excels in classroom teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Professor Ost’s expertise in cutting-edge empirical methods enhances his effectiveness both in the classroom and as a research advisor. He also supports high-quality instruction by mentoring graduate student instructors and assistant professors.

Past Award for Excellence in Teaching Recipients