May 2, 2023
Taylor Simon, instructor in mathematics, has been named the 2022-23 recipient of the Jeff Sieg Award for Teaching Excellence at Mayville State University. The award was presented as part of the annual Academic and Student Senate Awards Program held Thursday, April 27, 2023.
Taylor has a reputation for truly caring about her students and being a selfless person who gives her students the individual attention needed to help them learn.
One of her nominators wrote, “I believe Taylor Simon reflects the values of Mayville State because she puts the students first. I was able to talk to her about my personal life and she showed that she cared and regarded my feelings and struggles. She works hard and is always open to meeting with anyone if they need help in her class.”
Simon is in her fourth year as a member of the faculty at Mayville State University. She grew up in Conway, N.D. and graduated with honors from Park River (N.D.) High School, then earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in education from the University of North Dakota. After finishing her college degrees, she developed a deep appreciation for small schools and small classes while she was a high school teacher in rural North Dakota.
Each year, the MSU Student Senate recognizes an individual faculty member who has shown dedication and excellence in teaching at Mayville State. Formerly known as the Teacher of the Year Award, the Jeff Sieg Award for Teaching Excellence was named in honor of former Mayville State professor of science Jeff Sieg, who passed away unexpectedly in the fall of 2019. Sieg was a beloved faculty member who was named teacher of the year at Mayville State on multiple occasions. He was an incredibly gifted educator, mentor, and role model for what excellence in the classroom should be.
Other nominees for the 2022-23 Jeff Sieg Award for Teaching Excellence were Fred Strand, Byron Ward, and Sarah Kallock.
As the 2022-23 recipient of the award, Simon has received an engraved plaque acknowledging this honor. Her name will also be added to a plaque recognizing all recipients of the award. It is displayed in the hallway of the Division of Science and Mathematics.