Dr Chris Szwed, Director of Primary Education in the School of Education, University of Birmingham has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy (HEA); the most prestigious awards for excellence in higher education teaching and support for learning.
Announced on the 11th June 2015, Chris was one of just 55 successful National Teaching Fellows (NTFs) chosen from over 180 nominations submitted by higher education institutions across England, Wales and Northern Ireland . Each institution can submit up to three nominations, submissions must show evidence of three criteria:
- individual excellence,
- raising the profile of excellence and
- developing excellence.
Professor Stephanie Marshall Chief Executive of the HEA said:
"The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme celebrates outstanding achievement in learning and teaching in higher education. Receiving a NTF is just the beginning. They are an active community of passionate and enthusiastic professionals working to enhance teaching and learning in their institutions. What stands out for me are the comments made by their students, who describe then as innovative, engaging, entertaining and passsionate about teaching. This year is no exception. The New 2015 National Teaching fellows are truly deserving of the award."