Master Teacher

In the Fall of 2016, Dr. Scales was honored by Baylor University with the special designation of Master Teacher.

Press Release: Three Baylor Professors Designated Master Teachers

What makes a Master Teacher?

The Master Teacher award is the highest honor bestowed by the university for teaching. The designation is a testimony to a record of “sustained excellence” reflecting “proven knowledge and use of effective teaching methods, plus active advocacy for teaching and learning.”

In the Graduate School we most often think of Laine’s expertise in preparing graduate students to teach.  However, as we learned through the nomination process, her influence is well-documented by undergraduate, and graduate alumni.  As one put it, “She has made me a more critical thinker, a more thoughtful listener, and a better Christian educator.”  The deep and enduring gratitude of students, alumni, and faculty that Laine Scales has touched with her teaching is remarkable indeed. In their letters of appreciation they described her “unfailing authenticity” while “she invested in and believed in my abilities.”  Her teaching methods deserve imitation: “She subtly orchestrates moments of profound discovery for her learners…. She transformed my own view of education.” In addition to her classroom teaching, Laine has served as a faculty advisor to student organizations, and lived daily life among freshmen in Kokernot Hall.  Simultaneously, Laine has mentored Baylor faculty members through her co-facilitation of Summer Faculty Institute and other programs of the Academy of Teaching and Learning (ATL).  She has broadened her influence to teachers across North America by publishing numerous resources for college faculty:  textbooks, study guides, and articles in peer reviewed journals.

-Larry Lyon

Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
Baylor University