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What are the Teaching Awards?

The Teaching Awards recognise and celebrate those who have made an outstanding contribution in the pursuit of teaching excellence.

'Teaching' can be interpreted broadly to include curriculum design, delivery and evaluation, and ‘teaching excellence’ can take many forms. In the context of this award, ‘teaching excellence’ can be defined as achieving and sustaining outstanding quality of teaching and positive educational impact through the effective use of pedagogies that engage and enhance student learning.

The prestige of the award reflects the value that Trinity places on promoting teaching as a scholarly activity and the importance placed on enriching the learning opportunities of its students.

The scope of the teaching award initiative is broad, covering all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment. The teaching award initiative seeks to: 

  • provide recognition for outstanding teaching;
  • encourage teaching staff to reflect critically on their teaching and learning practice; 
  • encourage teaching staff to consider scholarly approaches to course design, delivery and assessment;
  • reaffirm that curriculum development, teaching, learning, assessment and evaluation are important activities in College requiring high level expertise; share best practice in teaching, learning and assessment across College.

All members of Trinity academic staff, or academic-related professionals with roles in supporting teaching and learning, are eligible for nomination by students, alumni and staff. Candidates must receive a student or alumni nomination to be deemed eligible to proceed and must also be on one of the following contracts;permanent contracts, indefinite duration contracts, contracts of more than one year in duration that do not expire before 30th June in the year of submission or adjunct lecturers with a contribution to a programme that extends 13 months or more. Eligible nominated candidates will be contacted and invited to submit an application for the award.

What are the categories of award?

Inspiring Educator Award

These awards recognise those who have made a significant contribution to enhancing teaching excellence, inspiring and motivating students to learn and inspiring colleagues to enhance their own practice.

University Excellence in Teaching Award

These awards recognise those who have made an exceptional contribution to teaching and learning at Trinity, often with a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the institution.

Lifetime Achievement Award for Teaching

Trinity’s highest honour, this Award gives special recognition to Trinity educators who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to teaching excellence and innovation over the course of their careers at Trinity, positively impacting on both students and colleagues and contributing meaningfully to the teaching and learning community.

If you would like to submit a nomination form for a Graduate Teaching Assistant please do so through the Graduate Studies office.