The capabilities of online education continues to progress, redefining how knowledge is shared and lives are impacted. The University of Vermont has been at the forefront of fostering innovative online teaching practices, and UVM’s annual recognition of the dedication and expertise of its faculty is celebrated through the Prelock Online Teaching Award.
We are excited to announce the 2024 award winners, who set new benchmarks in online teaching through their innovative instructional approaches and unwavering commitment to student success.
About the Prelock Online Teaching Award
The Prelock Award recognizes outstanding faculty members who demonstrate exceptional skills in designing and delivering online courses. This prestigious accolade is presented to educators who excel in engaging students, creating inclusive environments, and fostering a sense of community—all critical factors in ensuring meaningful and impactful online learning experiences.
This year, the award drew a record number of nominations from 90 credit and professional non-credit courses, reflecting growing enthusiasm and recognition of high-quality online teaching. Each recipient receives a framed certificate and a $1,000 cash award in honor of their dedication and achievement.
PRELOCK ONLINE TEACHING AWARD
Evaluation Criteria
To identify the top performers, a committee of experienced educators assessed submissions based on four core criteria.
- Course Design & Expectations How effective was the course in providing clarity, structure, and a design that supported student learning?
- Engaging Approach How did the instructor capture student curiosity and connect learning materials to their goals and interests?
- Inclusivity & Diversity How did the instructor accommodate diverse learners, ensuring that the course was accessible and welcoming to all?
- Creating Community How successfully did the instructor foster a sense of connection and engagement among students within the online space?
Meet the 2024 Prelock Award Winners
We are proud to celebrate the two outstanding instructors who have set the gold standard for online teaching. Each winner courageously tackled subject matter that is both deeply personal and intellectually challenging, creating spaces where students could learn, engage, and grow.
Winner – Asynchronous Category
Langdon Lawrence
Langdon Lawrence’s course stood out for its exceptional integration of the award criteria, as well as its innovative and inclusive approach to a critical global issue.
Course: “Climate Change Emergencies” (PH 6310)
“Floods, droughts, severe heatwaves, wildfires, and disruptions to the food supply are a few anticipated direct effects of climate change. Examines each of these public health challenges, and their potential to cause/significantly contribute to complex humanitarian emergencies, civil unrest, military conflict, and large-scale migration, as well as policy implications going forward.”
“Langdon’s ability to balance the emotional gravity of such a complex subject with thoughtful, supportive instruction showcases an unparalleled dedication to fostering meaningful education. His course exemplifies UVM’s principles of Planetary Health and inspires both his students and peers alike.”
Highlights from the course include:
Global Perspective
By leveraging the geographic diversity of online students, Langdon brought unique global insights to discussions on climate change.
Universal Design Principles
The course was thoughtfully structured to ensure accessibility for all learners, incorporating Universal Design principles throughout.
Creative Assignments
Students explored the role of art in communicating about climate change and even wrote heartfelt letters to younger relatives, connecting emotional and lived experiences to the scientific material.
Real-World Impact
A particularly moving example highlighted a student whose paper—completed while on deployment in Africa—was later published in a peer-reviewed journal.
“My course is an introduction to planetary health for future public health practitioners, with a strong focus on the humanitarian and security implications of climate change, both in the U.S. and internationally. After a brief review of the relevant earth science, I ask the students one all-important question: “If this is true, what does that imply?” They then use that as a scaffold to consider the possible consequences of widespread severe storms, drought, heat waves, wildfires, sea level rise, disruption of the food chain, loss of livelihoods, conflict, and mass migration. At no point do I tell the students what their conclusions should be. They decide that for themselves. It’s tough material, but I am continually in awe of the courage and resolve they bring to it.
This award highlights for me the ongoing privilege of, year after year, entering into such a meaningful dialogue with our amazing students concerning our collective future. I have nothing in my heart but gratitude.”
Langdon Lawrence, 2024 Winner, UVM Prelock Online Teaching Award
Winner – Synchronous Category
Justin Garwood
Justin Garwood’s synchronous course demonstrated a masterful understanding of how to humanize the online learning environment while addressing some of the field’s most challenging and sensitive topics. Outstanding elements of Justin’s teaching include:
Course: “Behavior Management” (EDSP 2170)
“Discussion of theories and models developed for behavior management, and the translation of those theories into practical intervention techniques, both for the individual student and classroom groups. Emphasis on the use of interpersonal relationships as a means of changing child and youth behavior. Emphasizes culturally responsive practice in relationship to behavioral intervention.”
“Justin’s teaching philosophy, embodied by his advice to ‘Make visible your invisible expectations,’ not only equips students with actionable tools but also cultivates a sense of hope and possibility for the future of education.”
Outstanding elements of Justin’s teaching include:
Transparency and Rapport
Justin shared his own personal learning experiences, building trust and inspiring students to reflect on their academic journeys without fear of judgment.
Exceptional Support
By committing to fast response times, hosting 1-on-1 meetings, and routinely soliciting feedback, Justin created an environment where every student felt heard and valued.
Adaptive Teaching
He regularly assessed the atmosphere of his class, making adjustments when necessary, especially when discussing emotionally charged topics like the school-to-prison pipeline.
Innovative Syllabus Design
Justin catered to student interests by maintaining a rolling list of their suggested topics, which he wove into later lessons, further empowering learners.
“To be recognized for excellence in online teaching, especially from an undergraduate course, is truly humbling. As a former classroom teacher, I know the importance of building relationships with your students to make a meaningful impact on their education. In an online setting, this is quite difficult. How do you make a student feel seen when they’re represented by a two-inch square on your screen once per week? In all of my teacher preparation courses, I preach the importance of building a sense of belongingness in one’s students. And I find the best way to convey how to do this is for me to implement the strategies with my own students. My motto for the class is, ‘Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’ An ethic of caring is the key to transformational teaching. It feels validating to have my students embrace this philosophy.”
Justin Garwood, 2024 Winner, UVM Prelock Online Teaching Award
A Testament to Excellence in Online Teaching
The 2024 Prelock Online Teaching Award winners highlight the depth and breadth of talent within UVM’s educational community. The growing quality of submissions year over year demonstrates how instructors are continually internalizing evidence-based components of an effective online course. Equally inspiring is the sheer number of students who took the time to share heartfelt narratives about how these courses positively impacted their lives—a true testament to the invaluable contributions of our educators.
Nominations are OPEN for the 2025 Award
Do you know a UVM instructor whose online teaching has made an extraordinary impact? Nominations for the 2025 Prelock Online Teaching Award are now open! Help us recognize educators who inspire, innovate, and lead through online education.
