A questionnaire was sent to chairs and faculty in 137 academic departments of psychiatry regarding the methods used to promote teaching and their perceived value. The incentives most often used included promotion and retention, nomination to committees, and peer recognition. Least often used were bonuses and a designated teachers' career track. Chairs and their faculty often disagreed as to whether some incentives were being used at all. Recognition of teaching excellence was generally most highly valued as a useful incentive. Clarification of the nature and purpose of teaching incentives would likely improve their effectiveness.Abstract Teaser