by Meredith Clinton
The Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year Award has always been chosen by students; however, President von Arx will decide this year and every subsequent year’s recipient.
In the past, Alpha Sigma Nu has chosen a teacher who demonstrates dedication to students and a high level of excellence in teaching.
“We look at them as a whole,” said Greg DiCamillo ’05, president of Alpha Sigma Nu. “We look for the total package.”
Alpha Sigma Nu is the National Jesuit Honor Society and has been a part of the Fairfield community since 1984.
They perform services around and outside school, keeping in conjunction with the Jesuit ideal of giving back to the community.
Teachers usually receive nominations from the student body and go through a screening process, followed by a vote within the group to decide the recipient.
Father Charles Allen, faculty advisor of Alpha Sigma Nu, said this year there is a slight variation in the process. The honor society will ultimately pick three teachers for Father von Arx to choose from.
“Last year they agonized because there were two or three people that they really wanted to give it to,” said Allen. “This takes the burden off the students and shifts it to the president, who has an overall view.”
He said that the president will know of achievements, such as published works and other things done outside of the classroom, that students aren’t aware of.
“If someone has taught for 30 years and never gotten it, it outweighs someone that might have only been teaching for one or two years,” said Allen.
DiCamillo said that the decision to change the policy was brought up mostly by Father Allen in past meetings. With the new president, he said they have been working to revamp old systems.
“We didn’t vote to change it,” DiCamillo said, “It was a change they just felt would be beneficial for all. It will be interesting to see how it works out and to see if the student body is happy with the final say. It will depend who is chosen, how the students react.”
Dr. Michael Brienza of the physics department, who won the award last year, said that the award is special because the recipient is selected by the students.
“I personally think that should stay as a student only thing. Part of the process of picking just one winner is learning how to negotiate,” said Brienza. “It’s a maturation process, and it’s great for students to have to do it. Kids need to be congratulated for going through that process.”
Dr. Dennis Keenan, who won the award in the past, agreed.
“My initial reaction is that I’m opposed [to the change in policy] because I don’t know on what criteria [the president] would base whether a faculty member would be a good teacher or not,” said Keenan. “If it was a broader award, such as faculty member of the year, by all means it would make sense.”
Students also favored the idea of students having the final say.
“It seems somewhat appropriate that the president would have the right to make a contribution, but teaching is largely based on the relationship with the students, so student input should be most highly valued,” said Rebecca Davies ’06.
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