University of Derby named among top 27 global institutions for Teaching Excellence

An international panel of judges has shortlisted the University of Derby as one of 27 finalists in the Higher Education Academy’s (HEA) first Global Teaching Excellence Awards (GTEA).

The award, in partnership with Times Higher Education, is open to all providers of higher education and GTEA 2017 included entries from around the world.

GTEA is awarded to an institution as a whole in recognition of institution-wide approaches to teaching excellence.

This news comes quickly in the wake of Derby’s Gold award in the country’s first ever Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), putting it in the top 20% of all higher education providers in the UK.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “Coming so soon after our TEF Gold Award, being shortlisted for the first ever GTEA highlights Derby’s position at the forefront of teaching excellence not just in the UK but on the global stage. It is fantastic to see the hard work of our staff, and the achievement of our students, recognised in this way.”

Svava Bjarnason, chair of the GTEA judging panel and a former member of the World Bank Education Sector Board, said, “There were some fantastic entries for GTEA. Our panel was looking for robust evidence of excellence in three areas:  leadership, teaching and in student support.

“We found a great deal of outstanding practice in these submissions, and I believe this presents a superb opportunity for others to consider these lessons for their own institutional teaching strategies.

“I congratulate all the finalists. And I’d also like to thank all the institutions that entered; there were some difficult decisions in selecting the final 27.”

Professor Stephanie Marshall, HEA Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are delighted by the response to the inaugural GTEA and I add my congratulations to all the finalists. I thank the judges for their detailed work.

“The HEA’s mission is about improving learning outcomes by raising the status and quality of teaching in higher education, and these awards help do that by highlighting outstanding practice wherever it is happening in the world.”

While the HEA will celebrate all finalists as “winners” they will also announce an overall winner at a ceremony in London, Monday 4 September. Entries for GTEA 2018 open immediately after this year’s London award ceremony.