Erica Simmons, an assistant professor of Political Science and International Studies, was selected as one of twelve faculty members for this year’s Distinguished Teaching Awards!
Distinguished Teaching Award is an honor given out since 1953 to recognize the university’s finest educators. Chancellor Rebecca Blank and Provost Sarah Mangelsdorf will present the awards April 11, 2018, at a 5 p.m. ceremony at the Fluno Center, 601 University Ave. The ceremony, sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty, is free and open to the public.
Erica Simmons is a scholar of comparative politics, with a regional focus on Latin America and a thematic focus on contentious politics and social movements. She has also published important work on ethnographic methodology, advancing understanding of how comparative ethnography can contribute to causal identification. An innovative scholar, she brings this innovation to bear on her teaching, in and out of the classroom. Simmons forges deep connections with her students, and as a mentor and advisor motivates them to continue their studies well beyond the courses she teaches. She works with students on independent research, fostering in them an appreciation of social science methods. Always encouraging students’ intellectual development, Simmons promotes a classroom environment that is both remarkably participatory and inclusive, and inspiring them to continue their studies in law or professional school or in their careers.
See also: https://news.wisc.edu/distinguished-teaching-awards-2018/