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Each year the PGS seeks to recognize our exceptional members. The Pennsylvania Geographical Society Awards Committee is soliciting nominations and self-nominations for the following PGS awards:

Teacher Recognition Award.  Given to K-12 teachers who are effective at teaching Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science or other courses such as Social Studies where a significant geographic component is present.  More than one award is given each year, and recipients need notbe members of PGS.

Distinguished Teacher Award.  Given at both the K-12 and college/university levels.  The recipient must have documented evidence of excellence in teaching as well as innovative and effective classroom methods in Geography, Earth Science, Environmental Science or any other course (s) with a consistent and substantive geographic base.  There may be more than one recipient each year.  Recipients must be members of PGS, but an exception may be made in the case of  highly qualified K-12 teachers.

Distinguished Scholar Award.  Given to an individual with substantive research, publications and professional development in Geography.  There is usually only one award per year, and the nominee must be a member of PGS.  This award may not be bestowed each year, but is dependent on the quality of the nominees or self-nominees.

Distinguished Service Award.  Given to any individual who has given substantive and long-term service to both the discipline of Geography and to the PGS.  There is usually only one award per year.  The recipient must be a member of PGS.  This award may not be awarded each year, but is dependent on the quality of the nominees and self-nominees.

Ruby S. and E. Willard Miller Lifetime Achievement Award.  This award is given occasionally to an individual of exemplary, long-term dedication to the discipline of Geography and to the PGS.  The award may be given posthumously.  The recipient must have been a member of the PGS (or its predecessor, the PCGS).

All nominations must be accompanied by a letter stating why the nominee is qualified for a given award.  Please include the nominee’s full name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. No anonymous nominations will be accepted. 

The deadline for this year's nominations is August 31st.

Assistant Teaching Professor or Instructor-Fall 2018

Penn State Altoona - Department of Earth and Mineral Sciences

We are seeking a multi-year fixed term faculty member in Human or Human-Environment Geography with the title of assistant teaching professor of geography and environmental studies. A Ph.D. or equivalent in Geography or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred at the time of appointment. We seek a candidate with a successful track record of teaching in higher education. The ability to teach a broad range of courses, including both lower and upper division courses in an area of expertise as well as General Education courses in geography and inter-disciplinary environmental studies courses is crucial. Projected teaching assignments will include human geography and environmental studies courses within a subfield that could consist of environmental policy, sustainability, and/or another emerging field. Instructional assignments will be consistent with the programmatic needs of the Environmental Studies program, the Department of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and our students. We seek an engaged instructor who will add to a dedicated and diverse group of faculty in the Department of Earth and Mineral Sciences and the Environmental Studies Program. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in program curriculum development, service learning projects with students and departmental and divisional committees.

Applicants can find the job posting (#77420) on the Penn State Human Resources jobs page (https://psu.jobs). To apply, upload a letter of application establishing your qualifications; a current vita; a description of teaching philosophy and evidence of teaching effectiveness; letters of reference; and transcripts (official transcripts required at the time of an interview). The committee will begin reviewing applications on March, 2018 and continue until the position is filled.