Three University of Newcastle staff have been recognised as among the best teachers in NSW, receiving an esteemed Quality Teaching Award (QTA).

Dr Jenny Schneider, Dr Teresa Stone and Ms Yolanda Surjan have been acknowledged by the NSW Government for their demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and student achievement. Only four awards will be presented to teachers in the higher education sector.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Bill Hogarth said to be awarded a QTA, a recipient must demonstrate an exceptionally high standard of teaching.

"The recipients are put through a rigorous selection process that includes preparing a substantial portfolio of their work, being observed in the classroom environment, reports from three nominators and extensive feedback from students and colleagues.

"To be named among the best in NSW is a great achievement and recognition of their strong commitment to getting the best out of their students.

"The awards also show that the University of Newcastle is highly competitive in the sector for our teaching and learning."

The awards bring to 13 the number of University of Newcastle academics recognised with Quality Teaching Awards over the past four years. The awards were presented in Sydney on Friday night by the NSW Minister for Education and Training, the Hon. Verity Firth MP.

Information about the individual QTA winners follows:

Dr Teresa Stone - School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health

• Dr Stone's approach to teaching is to facilitate learning and develop students' critical thinking skills, rather than simply impart knowledge, with an emphasis on education rather than training.
• It is important to Dr Stone that her students regard her as an inspiring teacher who gives them the confidence and vision to to develop personally and professionally as nurses.

Dr Jennifer Schneider - School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health

• Dr Schneider believes that in her role as a facilitator of the learning process it is important to be approachable and accessible, and to build a good rapport with her students.
• She played a key role in developing the University’s Master of Pharmacy program - the first postgraduate pharmacy training program in Australia. The program highlights the benefits of flexible delivery of course content, giving students choice in the way they learn.

Ms Yolanda Surjan - School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health

• Innovative teaching strategies including the use of imagery, clinical reasoning, interactive laboratories, clinical-based story telling and interactive presentations are used by Ms Yolanda Surjan to develop the life-long learning skills of her students.
• A lecturer in Radiation Therapy, Ms Surjan believes patient-centred learning ensures her students gain confidence in their abilities and knowledge.