The Peggy Renner Award for Teaching and Curricular Innovation recognizes a historian who has developed a college or university course that engages students in exploring the links between contemporary issues and the past. Applicants must have membership that is current through the award year (December 31, 2027) when they submit their application. If their membership expires prior to December 31, 2027, applicants must renew prior to applying in order to avoid disqualification. They may apply for the award in more than one year but may win only once. Applicants must hold a Master's or Doctorate degree and be teaching the course submitted for the award as the instructor of record or overseeing their own course, not assisting or under the supervision of another instructor. They must be actively engaged in teaching at an accredited college or university, and therefore engaged in teaching that is historical in nature, although the course does not need to be within a History department if it is offered within a related department or field. The course submitted may be a course listing specifically titled as a topic associated with linking the past and contemporary issues. It may also be a course listing titled as a general topic within which the instructor can demonstrate consistent integration of the links between contemporary issues and the past. Evidence for the latter must be clear in the syllabus and other submitted materials. Applicants must submit a copy of the course syllabus, which identifies the significant contemporary topic(s) and related historical material. The summary of the course content is also required. Combined, the syllabus and summary of the course content should address: (1) Contemporary sources (primary and/or secondary) used to establish the significance of the issue in contemporary society; (2) Historical sources (primary and/or secondary) used to engage students in contextualizing the topic(s) and exploring the history of the issue; (3) Instructions associated with assignments, including essays, poster talks, electronic presentations, or other assignments, that reveal students' engagement in exploring the relationship between present issue(s) and the past. A confidential letter of recommendation from a colleague or supervisor who is familiar with and can attest to the innovative quality of the course, its contribution to the curriculum, and the effectiveness of the applicant is also required. The letter must confirm the course was taught. It is optional but applicants may also submit one or more letter(s) of recommendation written by student(s) who took the course. Please visit the award's website or contact the Western Association of Women Historians for more information.