University of Texas Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award (ROTA)


University of Texas Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Awards (ROTA) are a symbol of the importance placed on the provision of teaching and learning of the highest order. The awards are offered in recognition of those who serve our students in an exemplary manner and as an incentive for others who aspire to such service. $25,000 awarded. ROTA is an award that requires institutional endorsement before candidates can be advanced for consideration by the organization. The typical timeline for submission is February through May.

Current Call for Nominations

Medal featuring University of Texas System emblem with an open book, a star, and laurels. Inscribed with "The University of Texas System Regents Outstanding Teaching Award" around the edge.

Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award (ROTA) 2026

About

The Regents' Outstanding Teaching Awards (ROTA) celebrates faculty members from UT System institutions who have made significant contributions to student education. The Regents encourage teaching excellence by recognizing faculty who deliver the highest quality of instruction through demonstrated excellence in teaching and a promising future of sustained excellence in all aspects of instruction.

Up to 15 awards will be given across both academic and health institutions, consisting of a $25,000 award per recipient. 

Application Criteria

The ROTA program recognizes exceptional educators who demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence and innovation, enhancing the student learning experience. Indicators of excellence may include:

  • Developing innovative, student-focused teaching methods.
  • Actively engaging learners through effective strategies.
  • Creating opportunities for experiential learning.
  • Effectively integrating technology in teaching.
  • Adapting methods to improve teaching outcomes.
  • Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing teaching improvement.
  • Leading and influencing colleagues in teaching excellence.

Eligibility

  • Open to tenured, tenure-track, and non-tenure-track faculty.
  • Includes educators at undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree levels (e.g., J.D., M.D., M.Arch).
  • Past ROTA recipients are ineligible to be applicants.

Application Process and Required Materials 

Faculty interested in applying should submit a single PDF document containing the following information to the Office of Faculty Affairs by 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2026. 

  1. Table of Contents: Hyperlinked to all sections (does not count toward 25-page limit).
  2. Personal Information: Name, title, department, institution, and contact details (does not count toward 25-page limit).
  3. ROTA 2026 Nomination Form (does not count toward 25-page limit).
  4. Mandatory Section (no longer than 20 pages):
    • CV
    • Teaching Philosophy
    • Institutional Endorsement
    • Dissemination Plan for teaching innovations 
    • Letters of support from department chair/dean, peers, and former students.
  5. Supplemental Section (optional, no longer than 5 pages):
    • Student evaluations (comments/numerical)
    • Evidence of teaching impact and innovation
    • Multimedia: Videos (3-5 minutes total), personal websites, LinkedIn profiles, etc..

All pages must be numbered, and headers in the Table of Contents must hyperlink to corresponding sections.

Once applications are received, they will be reviewed and final endorsement must be given by president before they are sent to The University of Texas System, Office of Academic Affairs. Only two applicants per institution will be forwarded. If selected, winners will be notified in September. 

For more details, please visit: Regents' Outstanding Teaching Awards Webpage

Use this as a reference guide. For the latest details, check the annual Call for Awards. Information may change.

Requirements

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  • 25 Pages max
    • TOC with hyperlinks
    • Personal information
    • ROTA form
  • Mandatory Section (≤ 20 pgs.)
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Teaching Philosophy
    • Institutional Endorsement
    • Dissemination Plan for teaching innovations
    • Letters of support from department chair/dean, peers, and former students.
  • Supplemental Section (optional, ≤ 5 pages):
    • Student evaluations (comments/numerical)
    • Evidence of teaching impact and innovation
    • Multimedia: Videos (3-5 minutes total), personal websites, LinkedIn profiles, etc.

Criteria and Selection

Recognizes exceptional educators who demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence and innovation and enhancing the student learning experience. Indicators of excellence may include:

  • Developing innovative, student-focused teaching methods.
  • Actively engaging learners through effective strategies.
  • Creating opportunities for experiential learning.
  • Effectively integrating technology in teaching.
  • Adapting methods to improve teaching outcomes.
  • Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing teaching improvement.
  • Leading and influencing colleagues in teaching excellence.

Selection Criteria

  • Demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence through effectiveness, innovation, and creativity.
  • Evidence of enhancing student learning through engaging learners, experiential learning, effective use of technology, and adapting teaching methods.
  • Successful dissemination of methodologies and innovations to other faculty members within their university and across UT System institutions.
  • Nomination packet includes all mandatory information and is easy to navigate.

UTMB Review and Advancement Process

*UTMB may choose not to advance.

Maximum of 2 nominees per institution.

Up to 15 awards are given across academic and health institutions. 

General Tips!

  • Discuss your intention to apply with your Chair and Supervisor
  • Similar to APT, demonstrating impact and outcomes are important indicators of educational excellence. Think quantity AND quality indicators.
  • Contact the Academy of Master Teachers (AMT) if you would like consultation services as several members are honorees.
  • Read instructions carefully to include necessary information (i.e., typically you cannot include an attached CV or an entire CV)