Great teaching is about more than delivering content; it’s about seeing the unlimited potential of each student. Principia’s whole-person approach to education and innovative curricular approach come to life through the dedication and care of its faculty—shaping student experiences for life.  

To honor that impact, Principia College annually presents two faculty awards: Teacher of the Year, chosen by the student body, and the Horace Edwin Harper, Jr. and Evelyn Wright Harper Award for Teaching Excellence, bestowed by faculty peers. This year’s recipients, Teacher of the Year Chrissy Calkins Steele, Professor of Theatre, and Harper Award winner Dr. Sally Steindorf (US’93, C’97), Professor of Global Studies, demonstrate the commitment to craft and inspiring passion for their subject matter that defines a Principia education. 

Both beloved professors reacted with characteristic humility. “I felt very honored and very humbled by it,” said Steele. “It came as a total shock!” added Steindorf.

The choice to honor these two educators shines a light on the College’s educational values more broadly. According to Professor Steele, “What we’re doing in the arts is an important part of the whole-person experience. I do think that it speaks to the culture at Principia—professors aren’t just people imparting their knowledge, but they’re seeing students as an individual, and supporting their individual growth.” Added Dr. Steindorf, “We should all care about the world and want to make a difference—be a force for good. Those are the values that Principia holds, they align well with our academic vision.” 

With educators like these leading the way forward, that vision looks promising indeed.