Prestigious recognition for excellence in teaching brings double success

Two major accolades recognising teaching excellence in higher education have been awarded to Teesside University.

Rosie Jones, Director of Student and Library Services at Teesside University, has been named as a National Teaching Fellow in the prestigious 2025 National Teaching Fellowship (NTFS) scheme, recognising excellence in teaching and learning support.

In addition, the University’s Law Employability Innovation Team (LEIT) receives a 2025 Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE), which recognises collaborative work which has had a demonstrable impact on teaching and learning.

Rosie’s recognition as a National Teaching Fellow is for her work as a pioneering leader in information literacy, playful learning, and inclusive education.

As a champion of digital innovation, learning space transformation, and student wellbeing, Rosie’s national and international contributions have earned awards and recognition, while her mentorship and leadership have influenced sector-wide improvements in teaching, student support, and equitable access to education.?

Rosie said: “As an advocate in information literacy, playful learning, and inclusive education, driven by a passion for innovation and student engagement, I’ve strived throughout my career to challenge traditional boundaries, and broker ‘third space’ collaborations and partnerships between academic and professional staff to create transformative learning experiences.”

Rosie has spearheaded innovative, award-winning information literacy programmes, responded to government inquiries, contributed to national digital literacy frameworks, and co-authored the national Information Literacy definition. She has actively fostered partnerships to advance digital transformation, earning recognition as a Jisc Community Champion in 2025 for her impactful contributions.

She was also a core member of the Playful Learning Association team which secured the 2024 collaborative CATE award.

This year's announcement of 61 new National Teaching Fellows represents the largest number ever recognised.

The LEIT team, which is among 17 CATE winners this year, is a student-focused group which strives to transform legal education through inclusive, embedded employability initiatives and effective partnership working.

The LEIT team, based in the University’s School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, comprises Teesside University law lecturers Angela King, Hannah Sellers and Anne Lodge, along with legal professional Emma Harbron, a former Teesside University colleague and now external member of the team. Also a key member of the team was Emma Teare, a valued Teesside University law lecturer for 30 years, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

The team aims to empower students to build confidence, develop professional skills, and explore diverse career paths, while delivering meaningful impact through community engagement and industry collaboration.

Dr Anne Lodge, of LEIT, said: “The team is dedicated to enhancing the career readiness, personal growth, and professional development of our law students. Our mission is to empower students to make confident, successful transitions post-university, by offering a distinctive, student-centred experience.

“We continue to draw on our strong connections with the region’s legal and professional community to provide learning opportunities that are both authentic and transformative.

“The team dedicates the award to the memory of Emma Teare, a cherished member of our core team, whose contributions were integral to our success and whose passion and spirit continue to inspire us in all that we do.”

Kathryn Harrison-Graves, Deputy Chief Executive at Advance HE, said: "We are delighted to announce the 2025 awards to those with an unwavering commitment to teaching excellence.

“These newly awarded National Teaching Fellows and CATE teams represent the very best of UK higher education, demonstrating remarkable innovation, dedication and impact on student learning. Their achievements not only benefit their own institutions but inspire excellence across the entire sector.

“At a time when higher education faces unprecedented challenges, these awards celebrate the transformative power of outstanding teaching and collaboration.”

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