The Joseph R. Accinno Faculty Teaching Award is presented annually to the faculty member who best exhibits excellence in teaching, passion and enthusiasm for learning, and genuine concern for students' academic and personal growth. The award program is administered by the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Teaching Award Selection Committee (TASC). The recipient receives a cash stipend, is formally acknowledged at the College's Academic Convocation in September, and has his or her name inscribed on a plaque that is permanently displayed in Phillips Memorial Library. 

2012-13 Joseph R. Accinno Teaching Award Recipient

Dr. Susan F. Skawinski, Associate Professor of Education

"It is my belief that teaching and learning will grow best when I work to create a classroom culture which reflects a number of common goals. One example is the goal of mutual respect for the interest and commitment which we all bring to the classroom. Such respect demands thoughtful listening on both sides of the desk and an acknowledgement that learning is a serious business requiring thorough preparation. As well there should be a willingness, particularly on my part, to value the ideas and questions my students may pose.

I expect my students to cross the threshold of our classroom with open minds that allow me to present new ways of thinking and challenge established ideas. In turn, I must venture to explore fresh ways of presenting content and crafting assignments, even as I recognize not all may be successful. In this risk taking environment, we all should be willing to push boundaries of thinking, to ask questions that may have untested answers, to carefully weigh unique points of view, to trust each other as co-conspirators in learning."