The Wolters Kluwer Innovation in Teaching Award, presented by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Science Education Special Interest Group (ESE SIG), honors ACSM educator members who have demonstrated exemplary use of innovative strategies and methodologies in teaching the science of physical activity within higher education settings.

The objectives of this award are to:

• Recognize educators who implement creative and effective pedagogical practices; and Facilitate dissemination of these practices through presentations at the ACSM Annual Meeting.
• The ESE SIG Award Committee will evaluate submissions using a broad interpretation of “innovation,” encompassing diverse and imaginative approaches that enhance the teaching and learning of exercise science across all levels of post-secondary education, both domestically and internationally.

One recipient will be selected annually to receive a $1,000 honorarium and will be formally recognized during the Exercise Science Education Special Interest Group meeting held at the ACSM Annual Meeting. As part of the recognition, the awardee will be expected to deliver a 10–15 minute in-person presentation highlighting their innovative teaching strategy or practice. Additionally, the awardee will be invited to serve on the 2026 ESE SIG Award Selection Committee.

Applicants must demonstrate thoughtful reflection, effective implementation, and measurable impact of a single innovative teaching strategy or practice that advances exercise science education. Submissions should address at least one of the following objectives:

• Promote research-informed approaches to teaching and learning
• Explore current trends in pedagogy and instructional design Integrate emerging technologies to enhance learning
• Foster active and engaged student learning
• Apply data-driven insights to inform instructional improvements

To be considered for this award, the primary applicant* must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a full-time faculty position at an accredited institution of higher education; and Maintain active membership in both the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Exercise Science Education Special Interest Group (ESE SIG) during the year of application and for at least one subsequent year, in order to participate in the following year’s award selection committee. (For questions regarding membership status, please contact the designated submission coordinator.)

Team applications are welcome. The primary applicant must meet all eligibility requirements listed above. All co-applicants must be current members of the ESE SIG at the time of application and presentation; however, ACSM membership is not required for co-applicants. ESE SIG membership is available at no additional cost.

Applicants do not require a formal nomination to be considered for this award.

To apply, individuals must submit a single Adobe PDF document containing the following components:

• Innovation Overview (maximum one page)
• Applicant name(s), academic title(s), institutional affiliation(s), and ACSM membership number(s) Course(s) in which the innovation was implemented
• Description of the instructional challenge(s) addressed
• Rationale for the innovation, a description of the innovation itself, and the implementation process
• Sufficient detail to allow replication by other educators; inclusion of a visual timeline is encouraged
• Summary of the innovation’s impact on student learning outcomes Innovation
• Rationale (maximum one page) Explanation of the strategy’s uniqueness and innovative qualities
• Discussion of how the innovation or its underlying principles may be transferable across disciplines
• Impact Analysis (maximum one page)
• Description of the innovation’s effect on student learning and/or engagement
• Analysis of changes in student performance and, if applicable, commentary on the cost-benefit ratio of the innovation
• Supporting Materials (maximum two pages)
• Optional documentation such as student work samples, feedback, links to online resources, or evidence of dissemination (e.g., abstracts, journal articles, or conference presentations)

The complete application (a single Adobe PDF document) must not exceed five single-spaced pages.

Applicants who demonstrate thoughtful reflection and implementation are encouraged to apply, regardless of prior dissemination.

However, documented dissemination through scholarly or professional channels may contribute additional merit during the evaluation process.

Complete applications must be submitted as a single Adobe PDF document via email to the Co-Chair of the Exercise Science Education Special Interest Group (ESE SIG) Award Selection Committee at: ACSMeduSIG@gmail.com

Please use the following subject line for your email submission:

ACSM ESE SIG Teaching Award – [Submitter’s Last Name]

The selection committee is composed of the following members:

• Two current Co-Chairs of the ESE SIG Two regular (non-applicant) members of the ESE SIG
• The most recent recipient(s) of the Wolters Kluwer Innovation in Teaching Award

Please direct any questions or concerns to: Julie Marino jmarin11@charlotte.edu

Thank you for your interest in the Wolters Kluwer Innovation in Teaching Award. We look forward to reviewing your submission and learning more about your innovative contributions to exercise science education.