Three NIU professors are recipients of the 2004 Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

Kristen Myers, an associate sociology professor; Amy Newman, an associate English professor; and Lawrence Stoffel, an associate professor and marching band director, were honored with the awards.

Since 1966, the awards have honored excellent undergraduate teaching at NIU. The awards also encourage instruction improvements and promote teaching discussions among members of the university community.

A passion for teaching makes a difference in how a professor lectures, Myers, Newman and Stoffel all agreed. Each was granted $2,000 as part of the award.

Myers said her passion has made a difference in her sociology classes.

“I love to get students to connect with material in new and interesting ways,” she said.

Myers said she feeds off of her colleagues’ energy and borrows effective techniques.

“Good teaching doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” she said. “I’m lucky to be surrounded by interesting, committed teachers who help spur me on even at the end of the semester when we’re all tired – both faculty and students.”

Newman also tries to make a difference by teaching.

When creating an encouraging atmosphere in the classroom, Newman said she knows the method of presenting her subject matter makes a difference.