[Archaeological Institute of America](https://www.archaeological.org)

February 15, 2026: Initial nomination deadline | March 15, 2026: Second-round/full nomination materials deadline

No monetary award; recipient receives a certificate presented at the AIA annual meeting.

Annual award recognizing outstanding achievement, innovation, and commitment to diversity in undergraduate archaeology teaching.

--- ## Description This annual award, presented by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA), honors individuals who have demonstrated excellence and innovation in the teaching of archaeology at the undergraduate level. The award recognizes educators who have made significant contributions in the classroom, developed creative or interdisciplinary curricula, and shown a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Recipients are celebrated for their mentorship, dedication to experiential learning, and their ability to inspire and empower students, fostering both academic growth and a passion for archaeology. The award consists of a certificate presented at the AIA annual meeting and public acknowledgment of the recipient's impact. --- ## Due Dates - February 15, 2026: Initial nomination deadline (submission of nomination letter and nominee CV) - March 15, 2026: Second-round/full nomination materials deadline (submission of two additional letters of recommendation, three diverse syllabi, and a diversity statement) --- ## Funding Amount - The award does **not** include a monetary prize. - The recipient receives a certificate presented at the AIA annual meeting and public recognition for their achievements. --- ## Eligibility - Nominee must have demonstrated excellence in teaching archaeology at the undergraduate level. - Must have developed innovative teaching methods or interdisciplinary curricula. - Must demonstrate attention to issues of diversity and inclusion in their teaching or curriculum. - Minimum of five years of undergraduate teaching experience prior to nomination. - Must be currently engaged in teaching. - Must have been an AIA member in good standing for at least two consecutive years. - Nominations may be submitted by individuals familiar with the nominee’s teaching (e.g., administrators, department chairs, colleagues, former students, or peers from other institutions). --- ## Application Process ### Initial Nomination (Due February 15, 2026) - Submit via the [Initial Nomination Form](https://www.archaeological.org/application-excellence-in-undergraduate-education-initial-nomination/). - Required materials: - Nomination letter (from someone familiar with the nominee's teaching) - Nominee's CV ### Second Round (By Invitation, Due March 15, 2026) - For nominees advancing to the second round, submit: - Two additional letters of recommendation (from a colleague, academic superior, or student) - Three diverse syllabi - Diversity statement describing engagement with diversity and inclusion in teaching ### Review & Notification - Initial nominations are reviewed on a rolling basis after February 15. - Successful first-round nominees are invited to submit full materials by March 15. - The committee makes a decision by April (pending Governing Board approval). - All nominators are contacted regarding status in June. - The winner is recognized at the AIA Awards Ceremony in January. --- ## Additional Information - Only one recipient is selected each year. - The award highlights not just classroom teaching, but also innovation, mentorship, and commitment to diversity in archaeology education. - Past recipients have included educators known for transforming curricula, supporting underrepresented students, and fostering experiential learning. --- ## External Links - [Award Details and Past Recipients](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/excellence-in-undergraduate-teaching-award/) - [Initial Nomination Form](https://www.archaeological.org/application-excellence-in-undergraduate-education-initial-nomination/) - [AIA Grants & Awards Overview](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web Contact Form | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | AIA Awards (General) | [awards@archaeological.org](mailto:awards@archaeological.org) | | [AIA Contact Page](https://www.archaeological.org/contact/) | | AIA Office (General) | ebailey@archaeological.org | 857-305-9350 | | ---

Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award

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