Since 2009/10, the Students' Association has organised the Teaching Awards to recognise the excellent teaching that happens in St Andrews. The awards aim to identify best practice throughout the University and give students the opportunity to thank the individuals who helped to shape their learning experience.

Please note that only students are eligible to make nominations in these awards. Winners and shortlisted staff will also be selected by student-led panels.  

Any questions about Teaching Awards can be sent to [email protected].

 

Categories and Criteria (2022)

Award descriptions can be found below, along with a detailed award criteria for download. The Award Evaluation Rubric will be used by the Selection Committees; it is made public so that all nominators may see how their award will be evaluated. Nominators are encouraged to refer to both the Award Criteria and Evaluation Rubric when drafting their nominations.

Outstanding Teacher (two awards, one for Arts & Divinity and one for Science & Medicine)

These awards recognize a member of teaching staff whose exemplary contributions to instructional excellence have significantly impacted the student learning experience.

Outstanding Commitment to Academic Inclusivity

This award recognizes a member of teaching staff who has made significant efforts to widen participation and access to learning. This support may take the form of classroom structure (e.g. evening degree), module content (e.g. justice and equality), or exceptional consideration or care for traditionally underrepresented students.

Outstanding Innovation in Teaching

This award celebrates creativity in the classroom, whether in terms of module structure, teaching style, or content delivered.

Outstanding Dissertation, Thesis, or Project Supervisor

This award recognizes excellent guidance and support offered by a staff member during a student learning or research project, including postgraduate research, postgraduate taught, and undergraduate dissertations/theses.

Outstanding Academic Mentorship

This award acknowledges the way a member of teaching staff influences students' overall development (both personally and academically). This award may be presented to an individual mentor (for example, one’s advisor) or a staff member who displays exceptional mentoring capacities for all/multiple students (for example, a staff mentor to PGRs).

Outstanding Commitment by a Member of Professional Service Staff

This award recognizes the efforts of a member of staff whose primary responsibilities do not include teaching (such as technical or laboratory support staff, an advisor, or administrative assistant, among other roles). The staff member has made a significant impact on a students’ academic or personal journey.

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant (two awards, one for Arts & Divinity and one for Science & Medicine)

This award recognizes a current postgraduate research student who has gone above and beyond the expected teaching responsibilities such as tutoring to positively impact the student learning experience.

 

Past results

Winners are in bold.