The Global Teaching Excellence Award (GTEA) is the first award that creates a global benchmark to showcase exceptional institution-wide commitment to the pursuit of teaching and learning excellence in higher education.
Launched in February 2017 by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in association with Times Higher Education the inaugural award attracted entries from 47 countries across the world. The 27 finalists and overall winner celebrated their achievements at a prestigious award ceremony on 4 September 2017 with the University of Huddersfield announced as the overall winner.
Huddersfield’s winning entry demonstrated outstanding world-class teaching and impact on student success in developing students to be independent learners and critical thinkers.
Dr Helen May HEA Academic Lead for Excellence Awards comments that Huddersfield’s submission particularly stood out.
She explained: “Not only did it address each of the assessment criteria effectively demonstrating its impact throughout but also there was a really coherent narrative connecting the institutional strategy with its pedagogical practice and student support. It thus reflected on its case for excellence across the domains rather than addressing each one in turn.”
The 17-strong judging panel from nine countries praised the University’s submission for the exceptional support it provides for students in all areas of the curriculum (particularly in academic support and work placements) as well as an international strategy that creates extensive opportunities for overseas collaboration.
The judges commended Huddersfield’s “excellent application” for its very detailed narrative which described “an outstanding approach to leadership and promoting excellence in learning and teaching.”
They highlighted the “clear strategic approach and excellent evidence of how this is implemented across the University” as well as applauding the high level of professional standards amongst Huddersfield’s entire teaching staff.
Professor Bob Cryan celebrating 10 years as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield said “I am absolutely thrilled and proud that the University has won this award. Over the past ten years we have worked incredibly hard to build a student experience that is second to none. Winning GTEA is a huge tribute to the leadership team our staff and our students all of whom have formed an incredible partnership to make our University and its teaching so very special.”
Professor Stephanie Marshall HEA CEO congratulated the University of Huddersfield stating that its submission was unanimously applauded by the international panel of judges for the drive and energy with which the executive team is leading teaching.
“I’d also highlight the University’s success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers ” she added.
“With high quality submissions from around the world I think this award has really captured the imagination of the higher education sector and will help raise the profile of teaching globally ” said Professor Marshall.
“The 27 finalists all had compelling submissions in meeting the criteria of leadership teaching and student support and we are delighted to recognise that outstanding work and share the learning from GTEA.”
Svava Bjarnason chair of the GTEA judging panel and a former member of the World Bank Education Sector Board said “The judges were impressed by the overall quality of the submissions. Well done to the University of Huddersfield and the other 26 finalists.”
“Three things that characterised the finalists’ success are: first a strong commitment to teaching through mission relevant strategies; second the scholarship of teaching and learning is absorbed into continuous professional development programmes; and third the encouragement of participating in placements internships and volunteering – all of which are hugely enriching the student experience.”
Further information on GTEA 2018 and how to enter can be found here.