I went to Sierra Leone to do my bikes-for-education PhD fieldwork and got back in February 2020, 10 days before COVID ceased all international travel and pushed education online. It was a super hectic time for teachers, academics, students, parents and education administrators – which is why being awarded the Griffith Award for Excellence in Teaching (GAET) – 2021 Teacher of the Year (Sessional) was such an honour. I haven’t shared this news on this blog yet as it happened in July 2022 while I was on my blog break. But now I’m back, here are some details. Hooray! NG.
Regular reader of this blog know I love teaching.
I have been teaching for 17+ years and this is my 10th year at Griffith University.
I have worked hard to become the kind of inspirational teacher I wanted to have when I was a student at Uni.
In 2019, I received a Highly Commended recognition for my work with international students.
In 2020, like every other educator, I was busy managing students, classes, and colleagues as we all responded to the educational and institutional disruptions due to COVID lockdowns and migrating everything online.
So, it is an absolute honour to be recognised for all that hard work with the 2021 Griffith University Award for Excellence in Teaching – Teacher of the Year (Sessional).
2021 GAET Teacher of the Year (Sessional)
I received this award for dedication to improving the quality of education and learning experience for Griffith students and my use of a strength-based approaches to promote lifelong learning through themes of community, care, confidence, and curiosity.
The panel feedback commended my ability to make students feel more valued, empowered, and connected to learning.
CLICK HERE for more about my GAET.
After such a hectic time – this award is a wonderful boost!
Thank you to all who have supported me over the years – to the countless students, colleagues and friends who encouraged, provoked and joked with me along the way.
What is the GAET Teacher of the Year (Sessional) Award?
Griffith University’s Awards in Excellence in Teaching is a prestigious, annual award that recognizes the outstanding contribution of sessional teachers who have demonstrated excellence in their teaching practices and have made a significant impact on their students’ learning outcomes. The award aims to promote and celebrate excellence in teaching, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of sessional teachers who play a vital role in the university’s academic community.
This award recognises teaching skills, innovative teaching practices, student engagement, and contribution to the enhancement of the learning experience of students.
