07 December 2016

Leeds academics recognised for teaching excellence

Two Leeds academics have received a National Teaching Fellowship (NTF), one of the most prestigious awards for higher education teaching.

The Higher Education Academy (HEA) has announced that Dr Raphael Hallett, Director of the Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence (LITE) and Associate Professor in Early Modern History, and Dr Sarah Underwood, Associate Professor of Enterprise and the Director of the Centre for Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Studies, have been made National Teaching Fellows in recognition of excellence in teaching.

The Higher Education Academy (HEA) today announced that Dr Raphael Hallett, Director of the Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence (LITE) and Dr Sarah Underwood, Director of the Centre for Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Studies, have been made National Teaching Fellows in recognition of excellence in teaching.

The two awards strengthen the University's position as a leader in student education: National Teaching Fellowships have now been awarded to 24 academics at the University since the scheme began, one of the highest tallies of any university. The University’s innovative programme  of research-based education is committed to developing independent, critical thinkers who make a difference to the world around them.

Dr Hallett said: "The NTF award helps shine a light on the amazing community of educators we have at Leeds, now given fresh prominence by the Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence.

“The award is especially satisfying for me since it rewards the experimental curriculum design projects I have been involved in at Leeds, and recognises the value of innovation as a catalyst for improving student learning.”

Dr Underwood said: “Delivering high quality and effective teaching is front and centre in my approach to student education. I strongly believe that enterprise education should have a long-term impact on students and, as such, I strive to create learning environments that develop entrepreneurial mind sets that will have value well beyond the classroom. National Teaching Fellowships highlight what works in teaching and learning, and I am very happy to have received this recognition.”   

Professor Tom Ward, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education, said: “The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme is an important national recognition of teaching excellence and achievement.The University of Leeds continues to excel in student education and it is with great pleasure that I congratulate our two latest National Teaching Fellows. “  

The Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence represents a £3.5m investment by the University to inspire new ideas and practices in teaching and learning. The Institute provides funding, time and support for current and future student education leaders to develop their profile at the University and to carry out research and innovation projects with internal and external impact.

Professor Stephanie Marshall, HEA Chief Executive, said: “I am so pleased the HEA has the opportunity to run these awards, and to help to disseminate the best practice they reveal. Celebrating great teaching, whether by teams or individuals, is really important and highlights just some of the great work in the sector to improve the student experience. “

The HEA manages the National TFS on behalf of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, and the Department for the Economy (DfE) in Northern Ireland. 

 

Posted in: Student education