I have never though to check if a quilting instructor has won an award. That is not important to me at all.
I am not saying none have won awards, just that it is not something I look for in an instructor.
Also the expertise that goes into make an award winning quilt does not necessarily translate into being a great instructor. This applies to many fields beyond quilting.
I also think it truly depends on what a person wants to learn from a class. I am not looking to make award winning quilts, I am not a stickler for perfect piecing, pressing and quilting. Give me a class that helps me to move out of my comfort zone. I love a class that touches on colour theory.
I am looking forward to an improve class next month. I have no idea if Karen has won awards for her quilting, I am sure I could look that up. I do know she has a great personality, she is heavily involved in Quilt Canada and I am thrilled to take another of her classes.
And the classes I have taken are not about following a pattern, but patterns are sometimes used. It is more for inspiration. I love an instructor who is encouraging, not one who expects their students to make a perfect quilt.