Two GMIT lecturers win National Teaching Hero Awards

GMIT lecturers John Carty and Richie Hoare have been awarded Teaching Hero Awards by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in partnership with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

John from Lisacul, Castlerea, Co Roscommon, lectures in Marketing, Management and Public Relations in the GMIT College of Tourism & Arts, and Richie from Derrane, Co Roscommon, is a senior lecturer in Accountancy in the GMIT School of Business. They are among 53 teachers from 27 higher education institutions who received their accolades at the National Teaching Hero Awards in Dublin Castle on Tuesday (30 September).

The awards were determined by students who made the nominations based on their own perspectives of what great teaching means to them. The process was informed by guidelines focusing on merit and learning impact.

The teaching hero award is the first of its kind in higher education in Ireland. Prof Sarah Moore, Chair of the National Forum, says: "Outstanding teaching often happens quietly under the radar. With all our commitments to improvement and developing teaching and learning, these awards aim to shed more light on the kinds of teaching that students say they value most.”

Sam O’Neil, President of the GMIT Students Union says: “As a representative of our student body, I get feedback from students on a day to day basis about the amazing work carried out by most lecturers within the Institute. It is great to see two shining examples getting recognition on a national level for their dedication to improving students’ educational experiences. They raise the bar when it comes to working hard, supporting students and going that extra mile - they truly are teaching heroes.”

Speaking about John Carty, Cáit Noone, Head College of Tourism and Arts, says:  “John is a consummate professional and provides pastoral support and guidance to students in addition to a busy working load. He participates in a number of cross-Institute committees and still finds time to work with professional bodies, engage with his PhD studies and support work placement provision across the Tourism industry. This award recognises John’s personable manner, supportive approach and engaging teaching style.”

Speaking about Richie, Sean Duignan, Head of the School of Business, says: “Richie is highly deserving of this national award which recognizes his excellent contribution to teaching and learning in the Institute and his particular skills as an accounting lecturer. He has prepared and mentored students for exams with the professional accounting bodies for many years, and this nomination and award by GMIT students recognizes his dedication and professionalism.”

GMIT Registrar Michael Hannon paid tribute to the two GMIT lecturers, saying: “I congratulate both Richie and John on their outstanding achievements. We are all delighted for them. Their skills and talents as teachers have been rightly recognised by students through this new awards programme.”

A full list of the 2014 Teaching Heroes can be found by clicking on the

following link: http://teachingandlearning.ie/priority-themes/2014-nominated-teaching-h…