Two lecturers from IT Sligo have been recognised at the National Teaching Hero Awards ceremony in Dublin.
Paula Roddy, a lecturer in Recreation & Leisure, and Fran O’Regan, who lectures mathematics to students undertaking a degree in Computing, were among 53 Teaching Heroes from 27 higher education institutions throughout Ireland to be recognised at a special awards ceremony in Dublin Castle.
Fran, who’s originally from Cork, was a surprised, but delighted recipient. “It’s an honour to receive the award ahead of so many excellent lecturers in IT Sligo,” he said. “I value the award as it’s student driven and I believe students are the best judges of a teacher’s effectiveness. I would like to thank the students for nominating me.”
The National Teaching Hero Awards were established by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in partnership with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and other student bodies to explore and celebrate students’ perspectives of great teaching throughout all higher education institutions.
Teaching Heroes were nominated by students and the 53 national award winners were selected by local student working groups which identified up to two teaching heroes from within their institution. The identification process used in each institution was informed by guidelines that focused on merit and learning impact.
The teaching hero award is the first of its kind in Higher education in Ireland. In the words of Prof Sarah Moore, Chair of the National Forum. “Outstanding teaching often happens quietly under the radar. With all our commitments to improvement and developing teaching and learning, these awards aim to shed more light on the kinds of teaching that students say they value most. This first iteration of the awards process showcases some great examples of teaching and will give rise to important conversations about students own perspectives on their learning.”
National Forum Patron Prof Mary McAleese pointed to the importance of awards such as these in recognising the deeper societal significance of excellent teaching. “Excellence in teaching is about much more than simply getting students through their exams,” she said. “It is about inspiration, passion, generosity of spirit, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference to students’ lives.”
Laura Harmon, USI President, said: “Like everyone in this room I have great teachers to be thankful for, this is a marvellous opportunity for students all around Ireland to put that thanks on the record.”
A full list of the 2014 Teaching Heroes can be found by clicking on the following link: http://teachingandlearning.ie/priority-themes/2014-nominated-teaching-heroes
Paula Roddy from IT Sligo receives hereTeaching Hero Award
from National Forum Patron Professor Mary McAleese.
Barry Scanlon, student host from IT Sligo, with lecturer Fran O’Regan
IT Sligo lecturer Paula Roddy & student host Ruth Cox