Six Finalists named for Charlotte’s 2026 Teaching Excellence Awards
Charlotte faculty shape the learning experiences that help students thrive, and this year’s six finalists reflect that impact. Their work demonstrates the innovation, care and commitment that elevate student success and uphold the University’s standard for exceptional teaching.
Finalists for the UNC Charlotte Teaching Excellence Award for tenured faculty are Erin Basinger, professor and chair of communication studies; Hilary Dack, professor of middle, secondary, and K‑12 education; and David Thaddeus, professor of architecture.
Finalists for the UNC Charlotte Award for Teaching Excellence for non‑tenured faculty are Sayde Brais, teaching professor of communication studies; Steven Kanczewski, lecturer in the Turner School of Accountancy; and Oscar Lansen, teaching professor of history.
Award recipients will be announced Thursday, Sept. 24, during a reception in the Popp Martin Student Union Multipurpose Room.
teaching excellence finalists (tenured)
Erin Basinger centers her teaching on a pedagogy of care that transforms the classroom into a collaborative, relationship‑driven learning community. She helps students build transferable skills and broader perspectives through innovative activities — from arts‑based exercises to public‑facing health communication projects — that encourage critical thinking and real‑world application.
Hilary Dack grounds her teaching in deep respect for students as learners and people. She prioritizes authentic practice over passive learning, designing rigorous, student‑centered activities that mirror professional work and help students grow beyond their starting point.
David Thaddeus brings passion and clarity to structural and design education, continually developing visual and qualitative methods that make complex concepts intuitive. Through models, documentation and precedent analysis, he helps students engage directly with material and build lasting skills.
teaching excellence finalists (non-Tenured)
Sayde Brais teaches through a human‑centered pedagogy of care that pairs empathy with intentional challenge. She builds safe, intellectually brave spaces where students can express themselves, push beyond comfort zones and engage authentically in their development.
Steven Kanczewski blends rigor and empathy to prepare students not only for exams but for their careers. He emphasizes early talent development and career readiness, connecting Belk College students with professionals and fostering year‑over‑year growth.
Oscar Lansen uses an apprenticeship‑style, hands‑on approach that turns the history classroom into a collaborative laboratory. Through problem‑based learning and source‑driven pedagogy, he models every assignment, guiding students to build interpretations through visual analysis, real‑time writing and structured discussion.
honorable mention finalists
Honorable mention finalists for the tenured faculty award are Drew Polly, professor of reading and elementary education; Debra C. Smith, associate professor of Africana studies; and Michael J. Turner, associate professor of kinesiology.
Honorable mention finalists for the non‑tenured faculty award are Jeanne‑Marie “Ree” Linker, senior lecturer in mathematics and statistics; and Regina Vrikkis, teaching associate professor of mechanical engineering and engineering science.
Written by: Jennifer Howe