The Department of Romance Languages proudly congratulates Principal Lecturer Dr. Catherine Simpson on receiving the University of Georgia’s prestigious Sandy Beaver Excellence in Teaching Award in Spring 2026.

The Sandy Beaver Award recognizes sustained excellence in instruction and a deep commitment to student learning. For Dr. Simpson, that commitment begins with a student-centered philosophy and a belief in the power of active engagement.

“My teaching is very student-centered, and I like to hear as many perspectives as possible,” Simpson said. “I’m also an advocate for Active Learning, and I find its task-oriented approach is great for foregrounding student voices.”

Through innovative pedagogy and a consistent emphasis on participation, Simpson creates dynamic classroom environments in which students take intellectual ownership of their learning. Her courses emphasize active learning and introduce students to Spanish language and literature through carefully aligned, evidence-based instruction.

Her dedication extends beyond her own courses. From 2016 to 2024, Simpson served as Spanish Language Supervisor, mentoring graduate teaching assistants and helping shape the undergraduate language program. Through classroom observations, individualized consultations, and professional guidance, she has influenced hundreds of students and continues to mentor colleagues and the next generation of language instructors.

“Some of my most rewarding experiences outside the classroom have been mentoring Spanish Teaching Assistants, as well as collaborating with faculty across campus on programs through the Center for Teaching and Learning,” she noted. In October 2024, she was selected for the Center for Teaching and Learning’s 2025 Active Learning Course Redesign Excellence (CRDx) Program, where she is undertaking a redesign of SPAN 4081, Spanish Film. In connection with that course, Dr. Simpson has been instrumental in overseeing the España en Corto short film festival, a two-day event held on campus each spring.

The award carries special meaning for Simpson, a UGA alumna who double majored in Spanish and Comparative Literature. In Fall 2025, she experienced a full-circle moment while teaching SPAN 3030 in Moore Hall. “On the first day of class, I realized that I myself had taken the same course in the same classroom many years ago,” she said.

When she was nominated for the Sandy Beaver Award, she discovered that one of her undergraduate mentors, Dr. José Álvarez, had received the honor years earlier. “Then I remembered that as a student I wrote a letter in support of his nomination,” she recalled. “It is an honor to be able to serve as a faculty member in the department that inspired me so much in my own studies.”

Dr. Simpson’s recognition with the Sandy Beaver Excellence in Teaching Award celebrates not only her individual accomplishments, but also her sustained commitment to mentorship, innovation, and student engagement. The Department of Romance Languages joins Franklin College in celebrating this well-deserved honor.