The proper balance between teaching, service, and research is contingent on faculty and administration agreement upon the institutional mission of the particular campus. If that mission focuses on teaching, then the institution should reward good teaching. Institutions whose mission focuses on community outreach should reward service. The same principle is valid for research. Faculty reward systems must have variety and reflect the realities of faculty work.
Teaching is often the most difficult aspect of faculty work to assess.
Faculty and administrators should use mutually agreed upon methods to document effective teaching. These methods might include such elements as teaching portfolios, videotaped classes, websites, peer and student evaluation, review of course outlines, reading lists, exams, effective use of instructional technology, and reliable indicators of student success. Evaluation should be linked to performance of assigned responsibilities, career growth and development, as well as the pursuit of tenure, promotion and renewal, if applicable. The evaluations should be formative to encourage risk-taking and growth. Disciplines may vary in their approach to the mix of teaching, research, and service.