Kira Balentine Receives University of Minnesota Excellence in Teaching Award

Department of Computer Science & Engineering recent computer science master’s graduate Kira Balentine earned the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award. The honor is presented annually to one master’s student and one doctoral student. Balentine has also been nominated by the University of Minnesota for the 2026 Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools Excellence in Teaching Award competition, which recognizes outstanding teaching and mentoring as essential components of graduate education and preparation for future roles in higher education.

Balentine served as a teaching assistant for both CSCI 4211: Introduction to Computer Networks and CSCI 5211: Data Communications and Computer Networks, the undergraduate and graduate versions of the university’s computer networking course.

She described the award as a meaningful acknowledgement of her abilities as an educator. It reminded her of receiving a thank-you letter through the university’s “Thank a Teacher” program after her first semester as a TA. The message, from a student she worked closely with, helped her acknowledge and appreciate the impact she had as a teacher.

For Balentine, one of the most fulfilling parts of teaching is helping students truly understand the material.

“Helping my students understand the material – even if it takes multiple explanations – is the most important part,” Balentine said.

She also enjoyed contributing to course improvements. One of her major contributions was introducing Gradescope to her courses, an assignment and grading platform that streamlined grading and improved collaboration. She said the tool made the course more efficient and more accessible for both instructors and students.

“During my time as a TA, I strived to impart the knowledge, wisdom, and experience I’ve gained to my students to provide them with a quality education they can use in their careers,” Balentine said.

Balentine described receiving the award as both a “validation and honor” after years of hard work.

“Receiving this award has opened the potential pathway for me to become a professor,” Balentine said. “It shows that I can produce quality work as a teacher and it’s something I actually enjoy. Even without the award, teaching is rewarding.”

Her interest in computer science is inspired by her father, a software engineer. She recalled watching him work excitedly on projects throughout her childhood, an experience she said shaped her own aspirations.

Since graduating, she has accepted a full-time position with an organization she will join in late March. In the future, she hopes to pursue a PhD in cybersecurity and eventually become a professor – either broadly in computer science or specifically in cybersecurity.

Balentine encourages students to communicate and build a personal connection with their teaching assistants.

“Don’t be shy with asking the questions that you have. It’s a TA’s job to help you learn and succeed, so please don’t hesitate to ask.”