Lauren Copeland, a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science and the department's lead teaching assistant for the past two years, has been awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award for 2012 from the UCSB Graduate Student Association.  This award recognizes the contributions of graduate students who have shown excellence in their role as teaching assistants in the teaching mission of UC Santa Barbara.

Criteria for the award are:
  * Documented excellence in teaching and the qualities that distinguish the candidate from others.

  * Evidence of creativity, innovative teaching efforts and extra effort in improving classes and teaching effectiveness.

  * The candidate’s rapport with students, availability and willingness to hold special help sessions, efforts to stimulate independent critical thinking and demonstration of excellence in teaching.

The GSA received a record number of applications in 2012, making this year's selection the most competitive ever.

Lauren Copeland is a 2010 recipient of the Political Science Department's own Distinguished Teaching Assistant Award.