Instructor Medallion Club

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Last Updated: Nov 04, 2025, 12:31 PM

About the Program

The Instructor Medallion Club is one of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s premier recognition programs for teaching excellence.
The program honors and celebrates those who commit to continuous growth, innovative teaching, and student success.
Medallions are awarded at three levels:
  • Bronze – Building a foundation of teaching excellence.
  • Silver – Expanding contributions and broader impact.
  • Gold – Distinguished leadership and lasting influence.

Learn More at an Upcoming Information Session 

Levels of Recognition and the Criteria for each level

Bronze Medallion

The bronze medallion is awarded to faculty who demonstrate a commitment to enhancement in teaching practice, active engagement in professional development, and meaningful, teaching-focused service to their program, college, or university. This foundational level sets the stage for further achievements and growth.

Minimum 100 points, at least 20 per category

  1. Teaching Enhancement

  2. Professional Development

  3. Teaching-Focused Service

Silver Medallion

Elevating the standard, the Silver Medallion recognizes faculty who have met the bronze criteria and also made extended teaching contributions to their school or program, engaged in advanced professional development, and made a broader impact on teaching at SIU. Recipients of the Silver Medallion are trailblazers, shaping the future of the curriculum at SIU Carbondale.

Minimum 100 points, at least 20 per category

  1. Teaching Contributions:

  2. Advanced Professional Development:

  3. Broader Service Impact

Gold Medallion

The pinnacle of the Instructor Medallion Club, the Gold Medallion honors instructors who have met the criteria of bronze and silver and also achieved distinguished teaching excellence, contributed to pedagogy-related theory or practice (within their academic fields), and demonstrated a commitment to supporting the university’s goal of creating an inclusive teaching culture. This level requires external support, ensuring that Gold Medallion recipients are impacting students and peers beyond SIU Carbondale.

Minimum 100 points, at least 25 per category + external evidence

  1. Distinguished Teaching Excellence

  2. Educator Leadership

  3. SIU 2030 Impact

Benefits of the Program

Earning a Medallion is more than recognition; it opens doors. Recipients receive:
  • A medallion symbolizing achievement.
  • Public recognition in SIU Today, CTE’s website, or social media.
  • Invitations to exclusive events with SIU leaders and peers.
  • Access to professional development funding or stipends.
  • Opportunities to serve as mentors or teaching fellows (contingent upon funding).

Community of Excellence

Joining the Medallion Club connects you to a network of educators dedicated to improving student learning. Together, recipients form a community of practice that shares ideas, mentors peers, and contributes to SIU’s culture of excellence.

Earn Medallion Points Through Signature CTE Experiences

Each year, the CTE will promote four signature events that are highly encouraged for instructors to attend. Participation in these events will not only count toward Medallion Club points but may also provide bonus consideration when two or more stars are earned. Bonuses may include special recognition, prizes, or other exclusive incentives

Track Your Points and Start Your Application

Bronze Medallion

Silver Medallion

Gold Medallion

✨ Celebrate excellence. Inspire success. Become a Medallion recipient. ✨

Start Your Application

Medallion Progression and Eligibility

The Instructor Medallion Club is designed to recognize growth over time. Faculty members typically advance from Bronze to Silver to Gold, demonstrating continued excellence and impact in teaching and professional development.

  • Each level should reflect accomplishments within a five-year period.
  • Professional development activities should generally be completed within the calendar year of application.
  • During the program’s first two years, the CTE will accept submissions that include achievements from an extended timeframe. Major accomplishments, such as teaching awards and publications, should generally be reflected within a five-year period when applying. However, until 2027, we are considering historic records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply directly for Silver or Gold?

Yes, you may skip levels until 2027 if you demonstrate you've historically met all of the criteria for bronze and silver (in short, you are submitting all the required workbooks that demonstrate you have met the criteria). Do note that it is important that you've demonstrated a commitment to the professional development in the current year.

Who can I contact for further information?

You may contact teach@siu.edu at any time with questions or for further information.

Who reviews the applications?

A committee of students, faculty, administrators, and past award winners ensures fairness and rigor.

What counts as professional development?

Workshops, certifications, training, conference participation, and other approved activities.

What if I apply but don’t receive a Medallion?

Your effort is never wasted. If you apply but do not receive an award, you will be provided feedback, and you will only need to provide an update of professional development activities when reapplying the following year.