Political Scientist Named to UT System’s Elite Teachers Academy

A University of Texas at Dallas educator who encourages students to learn from the diverse experiences of their peers has been recognized by the UT System for his dedication to excellence in the classroom.

Dr. Clint Peinhardt, professor of political science and of public policy and political economy in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS), has been named a fellow of the UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers. He will be inducted along with three other educators at a Jan. 10 ceremony in Austin.

The UT System created the academy in 2012 to recognize outstanding teachers throughout its nine academic institutions. The academy, which publishes The Little Orange Book series of teaching tips and reflections on classroom learning, serves as an advocacy group to foster the creation of high-quality, comprehensive learning experiences for students. Peinhardt joins four other current UTD faculty members who are fellows of the academy.

Peinhardt said one of his favorite parts of teaching UTD students is their intellect and diversity.

“I love hearing family stories about how they ended up in Texas, and even the ones who have been here for multiple generations have interesting stories about how their family has fit into history,” he said. “I especially love the international diversity I get in my classes. Some students have lived in multiple parts of the world, so they bring all that to class discussions.

“I think UTD students can learn a ton from their peers, and I certainly do, as well.”

Fellows are selected through a campus-based nomination process. Nominees must have previously received a Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award, as Peinhardt did in 2012.

Dr. Jennifer Holmes, EPPS dean and the Lloyd V. Berkner Professor of political science and of public policy and political economy, said Peinhardt is an innovative educator.

“Dr. Peinhardt is committed to student success in EPPS across all sectors,” she said. “His dedication shows in every class he teaches.”

One of the innovations Peinhardt introduced over the past three years has been to have students in his international political economy class rewrite the class textbook, Open International Political Economy.

“Every year the students take what was already there, and they edit, update and change it,” he said. “It’s been an interesting experience. It’s a lot of work for me and for them, but it means that they’re creating their own open-access resources, and anyone in the world can use our textbook.”