Why apply for National Teaching Fellowship?

The Expression of Interest scheme for the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) is currently open for applications.

The NTFS is a prestigious national scheme run by Advance HE that celebrates and rewards outstanding individual impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education.

The Expression of Interest submission deadline is 17:00 on Monday 24 October 2022.

For further details on the scheme criteria, guidance and the application form, visit the NTFS Expression of Interest webpage.

We asked four of our National Teaching Fellows for their advice, tips and reflections on the NTFS process and experience.

Professor Yota Dimitriadi (Institute of Education)

“Being awarded NTF was a significant moment in my career, a career that has been dedicated to teaching and learning.

“Of course, there are many other ways that we get this validation in teaching, but for me, to be one of the 55 people recognised at that national level for contributions to teaching and learning meant a lot! It was empowering!

“It has led to further professional development opportunities: from invitations to keynote at conferences to membership at prestigious equality, diversity and inclusion work parties. The award opened up the door to another community of Higher Education colleagues at national and international level and more avenues for collaborations.

“Writing the NTF application gave me time to pause and reflect on what is at the core of my teaching and learning profile and how all my wide-ranging work fits together; it gave me time to celebrate my own work and the process itself was an invaluable continuing personal development experience.”

Professor Jane Setter (School of Literature and Languages)

"Have a very strong narrative, based around one or two themes, which shows your commitment to excellence in the area(s) you have selected over a number of years and how you have developed your practice in this area over time.

“Make sure you understand and address the three criteria and ensure your narrative themes run throughout. Show tangible outcomes from your practice with supporting evidence.

“Be sure to make use of the excellent support from your NTFS mentor(s) and any others from the UoR NTF community who offer help, ask NTFs you know for help - as they usually will help you! - and be prepared to take constructive criticism on board.

“Attend any training sessions and consume any material offered by Sally Brown.

“Take part in the NTFS reviewing process (if open to non-NTFs) as it is a real eye-opener. I didn't succeed when I went in first time; getting involved in the reviewing process really helped me understand what it takes to succeed.”

Amanda Millmore (School of Law)

“The NTF application process is an opportunity to reflect upon what you have achieved and also helps you to identify your values and underpinning motivations and principles in your teaching.

“Crafting the application is time consuming (do not underestimate this) and at times exhausting, but it is an enlightening and reflective experience. The support from colleagues across the University is immense, so if you decide to put yourself forward, know that you will have wise counsel by your side, cheerleading, advising and helping you along the way.

“Remember, there is no ‘right time’ to do these things, so give it a go.”

Professor Yelena Kalyuzhnova (Henley Business School)

“Besides being a highly prestigious award recognised nationally and internationally, NTF provides me with unique opportunities to collaborate with other NTFs in the country.

“This is a priceless experience. The NTF application process shows me that the stronger my values and commitment are, the easier the road will be.”