April 14, 2016, Salem, Mass.—Salem State University provost David S. Silva today announced the selection of Somerville resident Reva Kasman PhD as one of two faculty members to receive this year’s Distinguished Teaching Award. Reva Kasman is an associate professor of mathematics and is receiving the award for faculty in the tenure track.
In announcing the winners, Silva noted that, “The award publicly acknowledges the core mission of the university through recognition of those faculty members who have profoundly inspired and engaged our students. Although only two faculty members are recognized each year—one tenure-track and one non-tenure track—the award is intended to honor all educators at Salem State who are committed to teaching excellence.”
A total of 93 faculty members were nominated this year; of these, 29 chose to participate in a rigorous review process. Each candidate submitted a teaching portfolio consisting of a syllabus, examples of student work and reflections on their philosophy and growth as teachers. Members of the selection committee observed classes and reviewed surveys administered to students in two classes of each candidate. “The number of worthy candidates and the difficulty of the selection process,” added Silva, “is a testament to teaching excellence here at Salem State.”
A student in one of Professor Kasman’s classes commented powerfully on the educator’s influence on her life, writing that, ““In fact, it is hard to talk about the mathematics department at the university without mentioning her. Many students use her office as a revolving door, while she makes herself available and approachable so that any student can have the opportunity, regardless of ability, to excel in her classes. I know this to be true because I’m a good example of a student with moderate ability who got enough help in her classes to develop the skills needed to graduate with high honors.”
Reva Kasman will be recognized at commencement ceremonies in May. Her award will be presented to her formally as part of the university’s annual convocation in September.
Salem State University, established in 1854, is a comprehensive, public institution of higher learning located approximately 15 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. The university enrolls 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students representing 44 states and 81 nations, and is one of the largest state universities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. With over 250 veterans currently enrolled, Salem State has been designated a military-friendly institution by G.I. Jobs, placing it in the top 20% of schools nationwide.