Whether it's a spark of interest in the eyes, a nod of comprehension, or a simple thank-you, a student's satisfaction is often considered to be the most rewarding sign of a teacher's success.

Perry Cook

George Scherer

Ed Zschau

With this in mind, the Engineering Council (E-Council), an undergraduate student organization, created a more formal expression of student appreciation, the E-Council "Excellence in Teaching" awards, given to faculty members each semester since 1988.

Three professors were honored with the award for the spring 2001 semester: computer science associate professor Perry Cook, civil and environmental engineering professor George Scherer, and electrical engineering professor Ed Zschau '61.

The E-Council also recognized teaching assistants William "Bo" Brinkman, Philo Juang, and Chris Keimel, presenting them each with a check for $100.

The criteria for receiving this honor are:

• ability to present material in a clear and effective manner,
• responsiveness to student needs,
• concern for student learning, and
• innovative and creative teaching methods.

E-Council representatives introduced each award winner, reading some of the comments students wrote about these outstanding teachers.

"The most important trait is passion," said E-Council President Michael Cohen '02, "instilling in [students] a passion for teaching and problem solving."

Among the compliments showered on Professor Cook, was that watching him teach made some students decide that they wanted to become teachers themselves. Professor Cook accepted his award for COS325: Transforming Reality by Computer with a wide grin.

"The students were great," he said. "I appreciate their recognizing me."

Professor Scherer took his CEE364: Materials in Civil Engineering class to a cement and concrete factory. These students later praised his method of showing-not just telling-the lesson.

One student remarked, "We all just loved him." Although Professor Scherer was out of state on the day of the awards ceremony, CEE chair Peter Jaffé accepted it on his behalf noting, "I think Professor Scherer is one of our best teachers."

The spring 2001 marks Professor Zschau's third E-Council teaching award for his work in ELE491: High-Tech Entrepreneurship. His students raved most about his optimism and energy, saying they left class with a "renewed sense of drive."

Professor Zschau humbly accepted the award, attributing much of the success of his classes to his students.

"Every student teaches, and every teacher learns," he said. "So, I accept with pride, on behalf of the students, this Engineering Council award."

Teaching assistants recognized by the Engineering Council are, from left, Bo Brinkman, Chris Keimel, and Philo Juang.

The students also had many glowing reviews of their TAs. Bo Brinkman's students said that he always engaged class discussion in COS 226:Algorithms and Data Structuresi. They also appreciated the way he routinely explained a student's missteps on their assignments, rather than simply marking them wrong.

Philo Juang's busy students appreciated their TA's willingness to meet them at anytime to go over course material for ELE101: Computing for a Mobile World. Whether it was after lab, after dinner, or after bedtime, the students could count on him for help.

Some of Chris Keimel's students proclaimed him to be the best TA ever. Students say he was patient, accessible, and helpful in learning the difficult material in ELE208: Integrated Circuits: Practice and Principles.

At the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), where faculty have so many commendable qualities, an award recognizing superior teaching still holds value.

"The first of our missions," said James Wei, dean of the SEAS "is to teach."