Danielle Whitaker, Continuing Lecturer and Supervisor in UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School, has received a 2021-22 Distinguished Teaching Award. The Distinguished Teaching Awards acknowledge the efforts of Senate faculty members who have successfully united teaching and research, as well as non-Senate faculty based on excellence in teaching and contributions to the teaching mission of the University. The recipients are selected by a committee composed of representatives from the Council on Faculty Welfare, Academic Freedom, and Awards, as well as past recipients of the Distinguished Teaching Award. A maximum of six Distinguished Teaching Award recipients are selected annually. Awardees will receive a cash award of $1,000 and a framed certificate. UC Santa Barbara’s Academic Senate honored Whitaker’s achievements as an exemplary teacher at the Faculty Legislature meeting on April 26, 2022.
“As a first-generation college graduate, attending and now teaching for UCSB means so much to me,” Whitaker said. “Receiving this award is such an honor for both myself and my family.”
Danielle Whitaker is a continuing lecturer and supervisor in the Teacher Education Program (TEP) and works with both the Multiple Subject and Education Specialist Credential Candidates. Prior to working in TEP, she taught kindergarten for six years in the Santa Barbara School District. She attended UCSB as both an undergraduate and graduate student, majoring in art studio and receiving her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Masters in Education. She currently teaches English Language Arts Methods, Instructional Design, Special Topics in the Teaching Profession, and a practicum in classroom management. When not working in TEP, she can be found at the beach, skate park, or Botanic Gardens with her husband and 4-year-old son.