Leeds academics recognized for outstanding contribution to student experience

Three academics from the University of Leeds have been recognized for their outstanding contribution to higher education with National Teaching Fellowships.

Professor Bee Bond from the Language Center and Professor Karen Burland from the School of Music have both received National Teaching Fellowships (NTFs) for their work in Leeds.

Dr Nick Cartwright, from the Law School, also received an NTF through a nomination from his former institution, the University of Northampton.

The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTS) recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to student achievement and the teaching profession.

The awards – managed by Advance HE – reflect Leeds’ commitment to creating an inclusive student experience and further reinforce its reputation as a leader in student education.

As a university, we have a responsibility to shape the world around us for the better and to prepare our students to become global citizens.


Professor Jeff Grabill, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education

Professor Jeff Grabill, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Education, said: “We would like to congratulate Professor Bond, Professor Burland and Dr Cartwright on this fantastic achievement.

“As a university, we have a responsibility to shape the world around us for the better and to prepare our students to become global citizens. Our student support work is aided by such inspiring staff who are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of students.

“As part of our 10-year strategy, we continue to invest in student education and develop an inclusive research-driven educational experience in Leeds. These awards recognize the immense contribution that Professor Bond, Professor Burland and Dr Cartwright have had on students and the importance of our ongoing University-wide work in educational change.

Professor Bee Bond

Professor Bee Bond has taught English for Academic Purposes (EAP) at the Language Center Leeds since 2001 and has played a key role in the development of multilingual approaches to education at university.

Her job is to help international students understand the language, skills, cultures and contexts of UK higher education and subject practice.

Through her publications and her leadership in curriculum change, Professor Bond’s work paved the way for language and literacy to become an essential part of the core curriculum for all students.

The award provided public recognition of a field of work that remains marginalized or hidden in many institutions.


Professor Bee Bond, Language Center

Professor Bond said: “My area of ​​work relies heavily on inter-institutional collaboration and recognizing the value of what we all do at the Language Centre.

“The award offered public recognition to a field of work that remains marginalized or hidden in many institutions. The possibility of new connections and collaborations available through the NTF networks will, I hope, help to make my discipline and the students we work with more visible and valued.

In 2016, Professor Bond received one of the first grants from the Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence (LITE) where she studied the intersection of linguistic and disciplinary knowledge.

Professor Bond is committed to ensuring that language is not a barrier to student success.

Professor Karen Burland

Professor Burland has implemented many initiatives to improve the student experience at Leeds and is a strong advocate for educational excellence in her discipline: she explores the ways in which musicians are supported in their career development and value of alumni mentorship.

Professor Burland became the Academic Lead for Surfacing Skills and Student Futures in May 2022 and will support ongoing work under Curriculum Redefined through the Surfacing Skills project and a new Student Opportunities and Futures strategy.

She served as director of the University’s School of Music for over five years.

I am extremely proud to now join the NTF community and receive such prestigious national recognition for my impact as an educator and leader in student education.


Professor Karen Burland, School of Music

Professor Burland said: “The thought process involved in the NTF process has been invaluable in helping me identify my values ​​as an educator. It gave me the opportunity to combine the impact of my teaching and my research throughout my career.

“It has been extremely fulfilling and has reminded me of why I do what I do. I am extremely proud to now join the NTF community and receive such prestigious national recognition for my impact as an educator and community leader. student education.

As a University Fellow in Student Education, Professor Burland studies how undergraduate and postgraduate students engage in and perceive employability activities during and after college.

Dr Nick Cartwright

Dr Nick Cartwright received an NTF for his work on inclusive education and using education as a mode of promoting social justice while teaching as a senior lecturer in law at the University of Northampton and at the United Nations.

Dr Cartwright joined the University of Leeds as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Law in May 2022. He brings extensive expertise in creating inclusive education which will be used to help shape the educational change agenda of the University, Curriculum Redefined.

It’s important to me that when students are brave and honest enough to share their experiences with me, I give those experiences a platform and amplify them, so their voices are heard, hoping to make things better for future cohorts. .


Dr. Nick Cartwright, Faculty of Law

Dr Cartwright said: “My research and scholarship over the past few years has focused on the educational experiences of students from minority backgrounds. It has shaped my practice and informed every part of what I do as a teacher, from curriculum design to assessment and pastoral support.

“It’s important to me that when students are brave and honest enough to share their experiences with me, that I give those experiences a platform and amplify them, so that their voices are heard, hoping to make things better for future cohorts.

“This scholarship is important because it helps amplify those voices and hopefully makes these students feel valued as their contribution to improving higher education.”

Beginning in the fall term (2022), Dr. Nick Cartwright will be the law school EDI lead.

Further information

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