Transformative Teaching

Award-winning faculty members bring creativity and innovation to Worcester State classrooms

By Nancy Sheehan

Interviews by Deborah Alvarez O’Neil

From the very start, Worcester State’s tradition of teaching excellence began with its faculty. The Normal School pioneers who trained teachers were innovators when it came to teaching practice and learning development. Today, Worcester State continues to pride itself on the quality of its faculty members and the many ways they continue to uncover new ways of helping students learn, grow, and succeed. 

Each year, two full-time faculty members are selected for the university’s highest award in teaching, the Alden Excellence in Teaching Award. The award was established at Worcester State in 2005 with a $100,000 gift from the George I. Alden Trust in Worcester. It is named for George Alden (1843-1926), a Harvard educated engineer who came to Worcester in 1868 to teach at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. An engineering teacher and education advocate, he was a trustee at the Worcester Boys’ Trade School, served on the Worcester School Committee, and established the George I. Alden Trust to support education.

For the 150th anniversary, eight Alden winners share their approach to teaching, their inspirations, and what success looks like in their classroom.

Click on the images below to read their stories.