The University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers

Note: The UT System Academy is distinct from and not associated with the Academy of Distinguished Teachers at UT Austin.

About the UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers

In 2012, the University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers was established to recognize outstanding educators across the UT System academic institutions. Members of the Academy serve as the system-level advisor and advocacy group dedicated to fostering classroom innovation, promoting interdisciplinary educational perspectives, and catalyzing the sharing of best practices across campuses in the UT System. Nominees must have received a Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award (ROTA) and have tenure or equivalent rank for non-tenure-track faculty (senior lecturer and above).

Visit the UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers Website for information regarding the purpose, mission and goals of the ADT, the selection criteria, and guidance regarding different components of the nomination packet.

Nomination Deadline

November 20, 2026

UT Austin Selection Process

Nominations from the colleges must be received by the Provost’s Office.

• Each college or school may submit a total of two (2) faculty nominations, including (1) one tenure track faculty and (1) one non-tenure track faculty.
• All final nomination packages shall be submitted electronically to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost from the respective dean’s office.
• All required nomination documents must be received at the provost’s office by the respective deadline or the nomination may not be considered.
• Eligible nominees must be in good standing with the university.

Application Materials

Please visit the UT System ADT membership page for information on nomination material requirements. All nomination packets must be submitted electronically through your college or school contact to the Provost’s Office.

• ADT membership application form
• Nomination letter from College Dean, Department Chair/Director or current ADT member
• Nominee’s statement of interest, addressing the guiding questions provided on the UT System ADT website (two-page limit)
• Teaching philosophy that incorporates recent innovative teaching projects from the past three years (three-page limit). Guidelines for the teaching philosophy can be found here.
• A list of significant updates/addenda since the ROTA application, especially if the ROTA was awarded two or more years ago (two pages)