Exceptional teacher wins professional development prize

Tuesday, 14 November 2017

Inspiring sessional academic, Emma Quilty has been awarded a $1000 professional development prize in recognition of excellence and providing an exceptional student experience.

UON Academy award recipients

Emma, who teaches in the School of Humanities and Social Science was presented with her award at UON Academy’s end of year celebration at NeW Space on Friday 10 November.

Now in its second year, UON Academy’s professional development prize for sessional academic staff received an overwhelming number of nominations from the UON community who were keen to show their support for sessional staff.

Interim Director, People & Workforce Strategy, Tina Crawford said the process of selecting a winner was a difficult task.

“With so many high calibre nominations submitted from colleagues, supervisors and very grateful students, it was tough to select only one winner.

“We were really impressed with Emma’s nomination. She has made a significant impact on student learning, and was nominated for her impressive skills in blended learning,” Tina said.

Emma has taught at UON for four years across the schools of sociology, health and education. She studied at UON and holds a Bachelor of Arts and a first class Honours degree in Sociology and Anthropology. Emma is currently completing her PhD in Sociology and Anthropology.

“This award has made me realise that my hard work has been recognised, and it also speaks to the support and mentoring I’ve received from the incredible women at UON. Their passion for teaching and social justice inspires me and helps inform my academic career”, Emma said.

Head of School for Humanities and Social Science, Professor Catharine Coleborne is delighted that Emma was successful in winning the award.

“Staff members nominated Emma because of her sustained hard work across all levels of the degrees and discipline areas into which she has taught.

“We have many wonderful sessional staff, and among them I often hear Emma’s name mentioned around the School,” Cathy said.

Highly commended awards were also presented to Joel McGregor (Centre for English Language and Foundations Studies), Dr Bronwyn McDonald (Newcastle Business School), Michelle Stubbs (School of Nursing and Midwifery) and Jacqueline Brewer (School of Nursing and Midwifery), in recognition of their teaching excellence and academic contribution to UON.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Education & Arts), Professor John Germov praised the contribution of UON’s sessional academic staff.

“The UON Academy’s professional development awards are a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contribution our sessional academic staff make within the UON teaching community. I congratulate all recipients on being acknowledged by their colleagues and peers,” John said.

The professional development award was established in 2016 with the proceeds of an ATEM award that the UON Academy received for having impact on the People and Culture at UON.

“The UON Academy recognises that sometimes accessing external professional development funding for sessional academics may be difficult, so we thought these funds could assist in someone attending a conference or for any other suitable professional development,” Tina said.

Emma said she is proud to be part of the UON Academy community.

“It is an honour to be a part of the Academy and be able to shape young future leaders at this world-class university”, Emma said.

Image: Recipients of the 2017 UON Academy professional development award - Top photo (from left to right): Tina Crawford, Emma Quilty, Professor John Germov. Bottom photo (from left to right): Professor John Germov, Emma Quilty, Michelle Stubbs, Joel McGregor, Jacqueline Brewer, Dr Bronwyn McDonald and Tina Crawford.

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