Education is key to what it means to be a University, and Academic and Professional Services staff both play an integral role in supporting student learning.
The Teaching and Learning Awards give staff and students the opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of those supporting student learning, whether as teachers or support staff.
A total of 256 nominations were received across the seven award categories, which were coordinated by Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD) and the Durham Students' Union. Nominations were made by students and staff.
For his exceptional commitment to active learning. As a colleague puts it: "Yan's creativity and dedication is best captured in his development of AI-based reflective prompts, where an AI agent acts as a scaffolded reflective partner, guiding students through formal reflection as a learnable skill. This is digital learning at its most purposeful, and colleagues have singe adopted these prompts, a testament to the quality and transferability of Yan's practice."
For her innovative and student-centred use of podcasts. As a colleague puts it: "Amanda has embedded short, focused pods to support students at the critical point of transition into university. Each lecture is paired with a concise pod that clarifies key ideas, situates the session within the wider module and makes expectations explicit. Delivered in a natural, conversational tone, the pods capture Amanda's warmth and humour while innovatively bridging the gap between large cohorts and personalised support."
For being an exceptional mentor. As a colleague puts it: "I have been the fortunate recipient of her outstanding mentorship for many years. She consistently lifts others up, working with them in a mentoring partnership and helping them to realise that their contributions are valuable and valued. Her effective communication skills, encouragement, and genuine investment in others' success makes Professor Ellison a trusted go to colleague and a powerful force for staff development."
For supporting colleagues to grow and succeed. As a colleague puts it: "With Alison's support, I have fundamentally transformed my teaching practice. Her steady encouragement has given me the confidence to continue innovating rather than retreating to safer, more traditional methods. Through her guidance, what once felt instinctive and risky has become intentional and evidence based. As a direct result, my module has seen marked increase in student satisfaction and engagement."
For her supportive and leadership approach in teaching and developing students. As a colleague puts it: "Nina fosters a supportive and non-judgemental learning environment, Nina demonstrates commendable leadership in supporting her fellow early career colleagues. Her approach was both decisive and supportive, ensuring a positive learning experience for students particularly towards students who may be struggling."
For promoting EDI content within the department via staff newsletter. As a colleague puts it: "I am nominating my colleague Dr Jacky Chan for his amazing work as the internation student champion in Psychology that has positively impacted on students and colleagues. Jacky has also developed and led our new student newsletter, coordinating and creating content for the EDI section of the newsletter helping to build rapport and reduce the 'gap' between students and staff.
For Championing accessibility in teaching delivery and resources. As a colleague puts it: "Maja introduced a network of EDI champions, creating visible, student-partnered leadership strengthening inclusive practice across teaching and learning. Through sustained, strategic action, Maja has transformed our teaching culture to be inclusive and socially responsive."
For exceptional commitment to EDI. As a student puts it: "Over a decade of work in the Congo, she has built partnerships with local communities and the University of Brazzaville, organising remote and in-person workshops. Congolese students credit her with strengthening 'scientific and intellectual capacity'. One student wrote that she was 'a pillar' who helped them 'return to university and believe in their future'".
For transformative curriculum and assessment design. As a colleague puts it: "I am proud to nominate the Developmental Neurodivergence module team. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, they created a psychologically safe learning environment where students were supported to explore nuanced debates, confront assumptions and critically interrogate evidence. Through this public-facing practice, students develop as socially responsible global citizens, applying their learning beyond the classroom."
For sustained and exceptional mentoring. As a colleague puts it: "Prof Boothroyd is an exceptional mentor who has been instrumental in my teaching development. She actively encouraged the use of student-centred, active pedagogies by helping me design interactive in-class discussion activities that enhanced student engagement and learning. Her mentoring has allowed me to become an independent, confident, and effective educator, directly enhancing the learning experience of my students."
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