Innovations in Teaching Competition 2026: Call for Entries
Here's your chance to share your expertise and take part in one of the favorite panels at the AEJMC annual conference: the Innovations in Teaching panel. Once again, the Visual Communication and Magazine Media divisions are teaming up to host this panel at the 2026 conference which will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Description
The theme of the 2026 AEJMC Best Practices in Teaching Competition, “Nurturing Harmony and Health in Higher Education,” invites journalism and mass communication educators to highlight innovative, class-tested teaching practices that promote well-being, ethical engagement, and inclusive learning environments. Broadly interpreted, the theme encompasses physical, mental, social, and professional dimensions of health, as well as harmony among students, faculty, communities, and media institutions. Submissions may address collaborative pedagogy, interdisciplinary learning, ethical practice, service-learning, community engagement, health and science communication, or strategies that support student success and resilience, while advancing disciplinary knowledge and AEJMC competencies.
The theme of the 2026 Best Practices in Teaching Competition— “Nurturing Harmony and Health in Higher Education”—is broadly interpreted within visual communication education. Some topics include (but not limited to):
- Interdisciplinary approaches that strengthen visual skills
- Collaborative student teams in visual storytelling or design
- Communities of support in visual communication education
- Ethical practices within visual communication disciplines
- Community engagement through visual projects
- Service-learning in visual communication courses
- Visual reporting of health or science topics
- Teaching practices that support student success and well-being
Application Requirements
Submit a visual communication teaching technique, innovation, assignment, project, or exercise that incorporates or applies ethical practices for nurturing harmony and health in higher education that can be shared in about 5 minutes. Include:
- Your name
- Your affiliation
- Teaching tip title
- Description of teaching tip/innovation in approximately 150-300 words.
- Tech needs for presentation at conference.
Other Documentations (optional):
- Documentation of rationale, documentation of effectiveness, and/or supporting materials.
- Activity/assignment instructions, grading rubric, assessment, etc.
- Visuals or media files.
- Handout or presentation for conference panel.
- Description or handout must clearly demonstrate how the submission applies to visual communication.
Deadline for submission is May 26, 2026
Application Form:
To apply, fill out this Google Form.
Notification
Winners will be notified in early June 2026. Those selected are expected to present at the 2026 AEJMC conference in New Orleans. Every winner must have a handout or “takeaway” to share with Vis Com Division.
Questions?
Ask VisCom Division’s teaching co-chairs Denise McGill at mcgilld@mailbox.sc.edu and Liz Spencer at liz.spencer@uky.edu Please email both Denise and CC Liz.