Congratulations to our 2024 University Teaching Fellows

Three new University Teaching Fellows have been chosen for 2024.

This is a prestigious award for colleagues who demonstrate individual excellence and dedication to the development of teaching and learning within the University and beyond.

The Fellowship is awarded to a small number of staff each year, who are granted the accolade of University Teaching Fellow. They play an active role in enhancing teaching and learning at the University by promoting good practice and supporting the development of others.

This year’s winners

Rebecca Jerrome (School of Agriculture, Policy and Development)

Becky is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sustainable Land Management. She is also the School Lead for Foundation Year programmes, the Placement Year Tutor, Study Abroad Coordinator and the Student Voice and Partnership Lead.

The Selection Panel commended Becky’s reflective and evidence-based approach to teaching and learning and her clear commitment to supporting, and working in partnership with, students.

The Panel was particularly impressed with her work to enhance assessment and feedback practices, including the creation of the ‘Six Steps’ guidelines which have been disseminated across the institution, and her contributions to institutional initiatives including the Working Group on Group Work and the development of the School Teaching Enhancement Action Plan (STEAP) proforma. Becky’s application demonstrated her sustained impact on student learning/outcomes and colleagues’ practice and on the development of teaching and learning at a School and institutional level.

Becky said, “I am thrilled with the UTF award. It is great to have recognition from the panel of my contribution to teaching and learning at Reading. I always enjoy all the great projects I am involved with and collaborating with the amazing students and colleagues that have, inevitably, been part of my success.  I am looking forward to being a member of a wider community of practitioners that share the same aim of improving student experience.”

Dr Jo Davies (School of Agriculture, Policy and Development)

Jo is an Associate Professor of International Development, Programme Director of the BSc International Development and School Director of Academic Tutoring, and she leads the International Development teaching forum.

The Selection Panel welcomed Jo’s focus on the student experience and her holistic approach to student wellbeing. It was particularly impressed by the international reach and impact of Jo’s external activity in relation to curriculum development for Development Studies, working with non-governmental organisations, development practitioners and academics from across the world.

Jo’s early work in curriculum design has also led to her involvement in a number of University-wide initiatives, including her contributions to the University’s Decolonising the Curriculum working group and as a member of the editorial board of the University’s Promoting Racial Justice in Teaching and Learning journal.

Jo said, “It is a privilege to be invited to the Teaching Fellows’ Community of Practice. I hope to expand my work engaging with a variety of stakeholders to determine how we frame international development teaching to the benefit of all, and I am looking forward to being able to explore these ideas with such a supportive and wise group of colleagues!”

Sharon Sinclair-Graham (School of Law)

Sharon is an Associate Professor in Law and has been School Director of Teaching and Learning since 2020. Sharon’s application conveyed her proactive approach to improving the student experience and her focus on inclusivity and on working in partnership with students to enhance teaching and learning.

The Selection Panel was particularly impressed with Sharon’s work to redevelop the Legal Skills module by embedding key diversity and inclusion principles and employability skills, her work to develop a more inclusive blended learning framework and her efforts to support colleagues to run successful workshops.

The Panel welcomed Sharon’s clear commitment to her own professional development and the examples of how she has reflected on her practice in meaningful ways, leading to real change to improve the student experience, a notable example being her work relating to digital poverty.

Sharon said, “I was really honoured to have been awarded the University Teaching Fellowship, but it also belongs to my various student partners throughout the years, who have supported me with their ideas and innovative thinking by wanting to make successful changes for themselves, but also for future students. I am looking forward to becoming part of the UTF Community of Practice to learn from my peers and engage in dialogue which will benefit my School and the University, but also allow me personally to continue to grow.”

The winners’ achievements will be recognised formally at a Celebrating Teaching & Learning Success event later this year.

To find out more about the University Teaching Fellowship scheme, please visit the University Teaching Fellowship scheme information page.