The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is accepting applications for the EDGE in Teaching Awards through March 1, 2023. The EDGE Award, formerly the Effective Learning Strategies (ELS) Awards, recognizes the outstanding contributions of accounting faculty who produce leading-edge teaching resources that effectively teach accounting knowledge and practice to students.

“The AICPA celebrates innovative academics who are changing the future of the profession with the way they teach,” said Anna Howard, CPA, CMA, Senior Manager of Academic Initiatives for the AICPA. “We encourage out-of-the-box ideas in accounting education. College and university instructors and professors are on the front lines of influencing the next generation of accountants. They are the guides that lead students to a fruitful and fulfilling career, which is why it’s so vital we recognize their outstanding efforts.”

The goal of the award is to recognize excellence in accounting education, dynamic teaching, groundbreaking techniques, and engagement in the classroom. Award criteria include:

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Innovative use of technology
Level of leading-edge techniques, fresh or unique approach or perspective to teaching an accounting concept, model, application, or theory in a delivery format
Use of new and emerging topics such as data analytics, ESG, cybersecurity, forensic accounting, financial planning, etc.
Emphasis on the AICPA Competency Framework for Aspiring CPAs
Ability to entice students’ interest in accounting as a career
Adaptability for other educational institutions

“As a former member of academia, I understand how challenging — and rewarding — developing engaging curricula can be,” said Jan Taylor, CPA, CGMA, Academic in Residence at the AICPA. “Educators can inspire the best of young people, and it’s the accounting academic who drafts them into our profession. These awards help provide truly innovative educators with the recognition they deserve.”

The winners will present their work at the American Accounting Association (AAA) Conference on Teaching and Learning in Accounting and AAA Annual Meeting TLC section, they will receive an award, a certificate and a monetary prize totaling $5,000. Up to two submissions in each category could also be selected for honorable mention and be awarded $500 each.

The AICPA is committed to continuing to inspiring innovation in academia. Through its partnership with The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® through the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants®, the AICPA is collaborating with academia in all higher-education levels to drive creativity, passion and inspiration in the next generation of finance and accounting professionals.

For previous winners, more information or to apply, visit ThisWayToCPA.com.