TWO University of Reading professors received a national award to recognise their commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Prof Cindy Becker and Prof Allan Laville were awarded National Teaching Fellowships by Advance HE.
The national scheme awards up to 55 fellowships per year and celebrates those who have made an impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession.
The Reading duo’s achievement means that the University has been recognised through these fellowships in 12 of the past 15 years.
Prof Becker, who is a professor of Pedagogy in English Literature, said: “I am thrilled to receive this award, and grateful to be part of a university that supports colleagues so well in the field of Teaching and Learning.
“This award feels like the culmination of many happy years working on a diverse and exciting range of teaching and learning projects at the University.”
Her application to the scheme featured her work to engage students in their learning, enabling students from all backgrounds to succeed both at university and beyond.
Students from a wide range of circumstances have benefited from Prof Becker’s innovative work on the Arts and Humanities Foundation Year, while her department’s academic placements and Professional Track has helped students navigate the career marketplace.
National Teaching Fellows go on to play an important role in supporting the enhancement of learning and teaching within their institutions, the higher education sector and further afield.
Prof Laville, professor of Equity in Psychology and Dean for Diversity & Inclusion, has developed sector-leading teaching on working with sexual diversity in psychotherapeutic care, and was recently invited to be national co-lead on the NHS England and LGBT Foundation LGBTQIA+ Positive Practice Guide.
He said: “This prestigious award means a lot to me as it is great to have your teaching and learning practice acknowledged at the highest level.
“I am very grateful to all the colleagues who have supported me since I joined the University in 2011, particularly my excellent National Teaching Fellowship scheme mentors, Jane Setter and Jennie Chetcuti.”
He also chairs the University’s Decolonising the Curriculum Working Group, which has produced sector-leading resources to support colleagues in decolonising their curricula.
