Celebrating teaching excellence with our new National Teaching Fellows
Professor Rebecca Freeman and Dr Bo Kelestyn recently celebrated National Teaching Fellowship awards for their inspiring work, at a national ceremony. We asked them to tell us about one of the projects or initiatives they are particularly proud of, and how the wider Warwick community supports their work.
Professor Rebecca Freeman (Beccy)
Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education
One of the core elements of my role over the last few years has been leading developments on Inclusive Education, through the Education and Student Experience Strategy. I’ve collaborated with colleagues and students from across Warwick to consider every aspect of our education and experience and how we can ensure that the diverse experiences of our students are at the centre of what we do. The Inclusive Education FestivalLink opens in a new window celebrated the achievements of students and colleagues from across academic and professional service departments, demonstrating the impact that this is having for students and departments. This collective work has recently been shortlisted for the QS Reimagine Education Awards, recognition of the commitment right across Warwick to a more equitable education and student experience.
What I like most about Warwick is the sense of community amongst students and staff. Whatever the context, people are consistently committed to excellence and doing the best for students. I have really benefited through working and collaborating with students and colleagues - whether through staff development programmes such as Inspire, through the generosity of departments that share practice and talk openly about challenges, or through the passion, enthusiasm and perspectives that Students’ Union Officers and Student Inclusion Officers bring each year.
Dr Bo Kelestyn
Warwick Business School
I'm particularly proud of the Veteran Leadership Programme, the first of its kind programme for Ukrainian veterans, which I lead in partnership with CHESNO, because it supports those who have served in the most devoted way. Its intention is to give back to the incredible people who risked their life from freedom. Over the last few weeks, the programme got shortlisted for Times Higher Education Awards and QS Reimagine Awards. I couldn't be prouder of the partnership and what the programme has achieved and stands for. Having now worked with two cohorts and an incredible community of speakers, I find the programme inspiring - but it’s also so tough to return to my usual work, after hearing the stories of our participants and immersing myself in the challenges ahead of Ukraine.
This programme simply would not be what it is without the community. From crucial senior management support, to connections and introductions to speakers, the immeasurable strength of our brand, links to the armed forces, reservist and veteran communities in the UK, securing vital media attention, ensuring accessibility and safety of teaching rooms and accommodation, all the way to colleagues going out of their way to offer Sports Hub passes and branded gifts for the cohort, it represents the best of Warwick people! To me, it is a powerful and touching reminder of what makes the Warwick Student Experience.