GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The College of Health and Human Performance at the University of Florida selected two outstanding faculty members for the college’s Teacher of the Year award.

Dr. Robert Beland received this honor for the sixth time and Dr. Jiunn-Jye Sheu is a first time recipient.

Beland, an associate professor in the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management, has dedicated himself to the education of UF students for 24 years. His specialization is therapeutic recreation.

“It is always an honor and joy to receive an award for something you love to do,” Beland said. “But the rewards and joys of teaching happen during each class when you meet with your students and see them experience discovery and wisdom.”

Sheu, an assistant professor in the Department of Health Education and Behavior, specializes in epidemiology, environmental health and biostatistics. He said his teaching inspiration is derived from the creativity of his students.

“I learn every day from my students,” Sheu said. “It is fun to see them grow and combine the techniques and traditional methods that I teach in class to develop their own individual methods of teaching.”

Extensive evaluation criteria are scrutinized for this award. Requirements include letters of support from students and colleagues, examples of teaching materials, and evidence of teaching innovation and effectiveness.

The portfolios of Beland and Sheu will be submitted for consideration for one of the university’s Teacher of the Year awards.