Academic earns top honour for teaching
AN ACADEMIC at the University of Leicester has been named one of Advance HE’s National Teaching Fellows 2021.
The scheme, launched in 2000, and celebrates and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education.
Dr Sarah Gretton, director of the natural sciences programme and institutional lead for education of sustainable development was one of 55 new National Teaching Fellows named this year.
Since her appointment as programme director, Sarah has redesigned and redeveloped the natural sciences course.
She has reached the finals of the UK Bioscience Teacher of Year and Green Gown Awards in sustainability champion and continuous improvement categories.
Speaking about her accomplishment, Dr Gretton said: “Receiving this award is a huge honour, and I’m delighted that the natural sciences and sustainability teaching initiates I had worked on have been recognised by this accolade.
“I’d also like to acknowledge all the support I have received from Leicester colleagues over the years.
“I started my teaching career at the University so this award is reflection of the fantastic environment the university has fostered to allow educators to develop.”
Alison Johns, chief executive of Advance HE, said: “This year marks the 1,000th National Teaching Fellowship award.
“Over the years, each and every NTF has made an impact on the sector – both on the students they teach and on their fellow teaching staff who look to them for inspiration and guidance.
“It’s also very gratifying to see the quality of teamwork represented this year. Teamwork has been especially important in the past year with the challenges for teaching and learning as a result of social distancing and in the autumn we will publish case studies highlighting this excellent collaborative effort.
“I am sure that institutions will value these examples as we start to return to the best of in-person teaching complemented by excellent online delivery.”