March 10, 2026
Photo by Nate Brown
The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) has honored Professor Amy Simons with the inaugural AEJMC Award for Excellence in Teaching for her work as an instructor, course coordinator and curriculum designer at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
The award, which honors a commitment to teaching that has been transformative and impactful for students, programs and institutions, comes with a $1,000 prize. Judges credited Simons’ strong passion for teaching and the journalism school curriculum as well as her scholastic media mentorship for their decision.
“Amy is known for setting high standards for students while being passionately committed to their professional and personal growth,” David Kurpius, dean of the School of Journalism, said. “She is also widely recognized for her innovative and strategic design of learning experiences. This recognition adds to a growing body of national acclaim for her work.”
For Simons, who teaches a variety of journalism classes and serves as course coordinator for the Applied Projects for Journalism and Strategic Communication course, the award is an affirmation that the work of teachers is noticed and appreciated by the wider industry.
“The work that we do every day — the time and the attention that we pour into our students at every level — is paying off,” Simons said. “To have that work recognized by colleagues not only here at Mizzou but in the journalism and mass communication community is truly an honor.”
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