The American Sociological Association recently published the teaching portfolio of IUPUC faculty member Jay Howard, Ph.D., as a national model for sociologists.

The 233-page book titled Teaching Portfolio was edited by Daniel Renfrow, and outlines the how-to of teaching portfolio construction for individuals at all career stages. It also discusses the benefits of teaching portfolios for individuals, departments, and the discipline as a whole. The book includes seven examples of professors’ statements of their teaching philosophy, and six actual teaching portfolios as insight for academics seeking to document their teaching credentials.

“While it is always affirming to have one’s work recognized by colleagues at the national level, it is even more rewarding to be able to contribute to the professional development of graduate students and young faculty members around the country in this manner,” Howard said.

In his 17-year career at IUPUC, Howard has earned 15 teaching-related honors and awards, presented more than 40 papers since 2000, sponsored more than 40 student paper presentations at sociology conferences, and been published in more than 45 refereed publications, textbooks, and other educational media.

Howard, a native of Mishawaka, earned a B.A. from Indiana University South Bend and a doctorate in sociology from the University of Notre Dame. Part of his research has established him as a nationally recognized leader in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Sociology. His other research interest, which deals with religion and popular culture, have led to a popular book entitled Apostles of Rock: The Splintered World of Contemporary Christian Music (co-authored with John M. Streck).

Howard is a former president of the North Central Sociological Association and a member and past president of the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation Board of Trustees.

Howard is a professor of sociology and head of the Division of Liberal Arts at IUPUC.