51Âþ»­

Two outstanding academics from 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) have been given the most prestigious individual awards for excellence in teaching in higher education.

Dr Angela O’Sullivan, Faculty Head of Widening Participation in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, and Caroline Coles, a Principal Lecturer who teaches Business Law and Practice and Commercial Law in the Leicester De Montfort Law School, were nominated for a National Teaching Fellowship by 51Âþ»­.

The submissions had to show evidence of individual excellence, raising the profile of excellence and developing excellence. They also received supporting statements from industry leaders.

Dr Angela O'Sullivan - a champion of inclusion

Angela and Caroline’s awards mean there are now 20 academics past and present who have received a National Teaching Fellowship while at 51Âþ»­.

Caroline Coles - internationally recognised

Professor Stephanie Marshall, Chief Executive of awards body The Higher Education Academy, said: “These awards represent a fantastic achievement. I am sure the whole sector joins me in applauding them in their success.

“The new National Teaching Fellows represent some of the very best teaching in higher education and I am sure they will inspire others as we share their innovative practice and ideas across the sector. The UK is justifiably proud of its higher education sector and its reputation is enhanced by the examples of excellent teaching highlighted by these awards.”

Dr O’Sullivan is a champion of inclusivity and has previously mentored seven academics who went on to become 51Âþ»­ Teaching Fellows.  Her submission by 51Âþ»­ said Dr O’Sullivan “has drawn on her experience of teaching science in further education colleges, higher education and a prison to develop a very clear scholarly humanist approach to teaching focused around motivation and supportive learning. Her ethos is that learning should be relevant, 'hands on' and fun.”

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It continues: “Her study into the barriers to educational attainment for care leavers has been highly acclaimed and is recommended reading on the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes for Children and Young People’s Services website.”

Dr O’Sullivan added: “I am delighted to receive national recognition for my teaching excellence. I plan to continue to champion inclusive practice and policy across the whole of the student journey.”

Before teaching at 51Âþ»­ Mrs Coles was a practising solicitor and also headed marketing campaigns for Boots, giving her expert knowledge of law and industry.

51Âþ»­’s submission for Mrs Coles said her work “has sparked developments in mobile learning through the invention of the first app in UK Intellectual Property law and by showing the way to improve accessible feedback by podcast in several universities around world.

“Caroline is well known internationally, including at the European Patent Academy, as a lively advocate for research into teaching and has increased funding of this area by her influential work. 

“Using the provision of excellent, inclusive, sustainable education that is focused on building student’s skills in the Knowledge Economy, she is proud that the recognition of her work now places UK education institutions high in the global competitive market for higher education.”

Mrs Coles added: “For me, teaching is the culmination of all my skills where I can draw on my passion for individual excellence to support students from all backgrounds and join with them in a circle of learning, as we all strive to do our very best, and make the UK the best place for an education.”