In the 2009 competition, the fourth in as many years, a total of 125 college and university professors from 24 schools across the province can vie for the title of Ontario's best lecturer. In addition to the recognition --- and bragging rights for the year -- the winner of the friendly competition will receive a $10,000 scholarship for his or her school.

The 2009 competition features a record number of educators, all of whom have been nominated by their students. Peter Sacco and Crispin Shaftoe from Niagara College. James Allard, Tauri Caputo, Santo D'Agostino, Patrick Ounlert, Harry Peery, Mario Pizzacalla, Murray Wickett and Phil Wilson from Brock University.

Mario Pizzacalla, who teaches American Sign Language at Brock, was surprised to learn he had been nominated by his students.

"When they brought my name up I was very surprised. It's nice to know you're appreciated by your students," he said. "It's a major challenge. I really enjoy teaching it so much."

Here is what one student wrote about Pizzacalla: "(He) gives lectures that are fun and very interactive. However, what separates this lecturer is his astounding ability to teach our class of about 40 first-time American Sign Language learners without speaking a single word! He is able to express his ideas with clarity and humour, so that his messages are easily understood. Professor Pizzacalla is warm and easy to approach; he is always ready to help out any struggling students. (He) teaches in such an enthusiastic and inspiring way, that I look forward to his lectures every single week!!!"

Santo D'Agostino, a math professor at Brock, said it's a privilege to be nominated by his students.

"I'm very honoured to be nominated to participate in TVO's Big Ideas Best Lecturer Competition. That someone took time out from a busy life to recognize me and nominate me is very gratifying. I'm also very proud to represent Brock University and our Mathematics Department. At Brock we have a tradition of caring deeply about our students, and it's a pleasure to play my small role in maintaining this tradition."

Phil Smith, who teaches physical education and kinesiology at Brock, said he was taken by surprise when he received the e-mail notifying him of his nomination.

"I read it twice to make sure it was legitimate," he said. "My first reaction was shock. It was a real surprise, a really nice surprise. I felt very humble that a student would go out of their way to do something for which they are not being rewarded. The students are the lifeblood of the university."

The next stage of the competition invites the teachers to submit a videotape of one of their lectures. After reviewing all the entries, a panel of producers from Big Ideas will select 20 semifinalists.

Then, a panel of three judges will narrow the field down to 10 finalists. The judges asked to participate this year are actor R.H. Thompson, writer and critic Donna Bailey-Nurse and author Jeff Rybak, who recently published a book on Canadian universities.

"Then the whole thing really kicks into high gear," said Big Ideas producer Wodek Szemberg. "We go out to shoot 10 short documentaries about them."

Each documentary, which Szemberg said will be about seven or eight minutes long, will be followed by the lecture. Beginning Feb. 28, TVO will air two lectures each weekend at 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The public will then have the final say as to who will become the province's top lecturer. Viewers can grade each of the finalists and cast their votes for the winner.