UChicago Savvy Marketing - Outstanding Educator award

Parents Forum
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I recently found out that UChicago asks their incoming freshman class, right after they commit in May, to recommend one of their high school teachers for UC’s “Outstanding Educator award.” A short essay is required, basically why is this teacher so great, so only a few kids nominate anyone.

The savvy marketing part comes in the fall. The award includes a lucite block, $25 Staples gift certificate, a 90% discount on UC online courses, AND a UC sweatshirt. I assume they expect teachers to wear this around campus and remind current students of UC’s reputation for academic excellence and rigor.

My daughter teaches in Georgia and most of her students go to Georgia colleges, or at least stay on the East Coast, so she had never heard of this award before she was notified she had received it.

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That’s cool and everything, but $25? Did you forget a zero or two? :laughing:

If anyone from U Chicago is reading this, c’mon, open your wallet just a bit more. I’m sure you can afford it.

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Lol nope. I figure maybe she can buy a package of printer paper?

There are a bunch of these given out each year, so I’m sure there’s a strict budget.

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I’m sure there is as well. Make the award too big and people will ask “Why is $[insert amount] of my kid’s tuition going to his high school gym teacher?”

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You can see some of the past recipients at the U Chicago Admissions site.

Looks like they all teach academic subjects but hey–if a student wants to nominate their soccer coach, they probably could.