Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award Application FAQ's

Posted by: Helen Dobson on 13 March 2009 - 10:57am

These FAQ's provide a quick reference for mentors and nominees.

The following Frequently Asked Questions are designed to clarify the criteria and award nomination process.

1. Can teams apply?

Yes, but the team must still meet the criteria that would apply to an individual.

2. Do the same criteria apply to all nominations?

The general criteria are applicable to all nominations. However, for tertiary teachers who exhibit sustained excellence in their contribution to a Māori context of teaching and learning they are able to apply under the kaupapa Māori set of criteria. All nominees must clearly state which criteria they are applying under on their nomination form.

3. Can the nomination be made by somebody on my behalf?

Yes, evidence to meet the criteria can be from multiple sources and does not necessarily need to be written and collated by the nominee.

4. Do all the criteria have to be met?

All criteria must all be addressed and it is likely that some will be claimed more strongly than others. However the panel will make the awards to those who most strongly meet or exceed all of the criteria. If a nomination is made under the kaupapa Māori criteria then this must be indicated on the nomination form, otherwise the nomination will be assessed under the general criteria.

5. Does the nomination have to follow the sequence of the criteria as contained in the nomination guidelines?

No, the format is not prescribed. While it is easier for panellists to follow criteria in a linear fashion, some recipients have made their nominations in narrative form describing their “teaching story” highlighting criteria along the way.

6. Do nominees have to have been teaching in the tertiary sector for at least 6 years to be considered?

Generally yes, but where the strength of a nomination is overwhelming there may be some latitude for a slightly shorter period.

7. Is the award money taxable?

No, it is deemed not to be income and does not need to be declared.

8. Is assistance available to prepare a nomination?

Yes, the Academy has a database of past winners who are willing to mentor prospective nominees; they can be contacted at academy@akoaotearoa.ac.nz, regional Hub staff of Ako Aotearoa can help. Your own institution may also have resources that can assist you.

9. Does the 8000 word limit include appendices and references?

Yes. The entire portfolio must come within that word limit.

10. Can visual/digital supplementary information be included?

These are no longer permitted, as it was felt that these did not contribute to the overall value of the portfolio. However photos and diagrams can still be included as part of the portfolio. All nominations must not exceed 8000 words.

11. What needs to accompany my portfolio?

The original and every copy of the portfolio should include, completed the Tertiary Teaching History form and the Nomination form, duly completed by the CEO/ Manager/Tumuaki/VC of the nominees organisation. This should support the nominee’s qualities in relation to the criteria, confirm that the nomination is supported by a representative sample of student feedback and affirm the nomination is 8000 words or less.

Nominations should clearly state whether or not the nominee has been chosen under the new criteria recognising their contribution to a kaupapa Māori teaching context. A nomination cannot be made under both sets of criteria.

12. Can I submit my nomination electronically?

No, all nominations must be in hard copy; an original plus 12 copies.

13. Are there any special formatting requirements?

Maximum of 8000 words in total (including references (max.6) and appendices), font no smaller than size 12 point.

14. Is there a limit on the number of nominations from one organisation?

Not more than four nominations can come from any one organisation provided no more than three are within the general criteria.

15. Can teachers from any tertiary organisation apply?

Yes, nominations are encouraged from all parts of the tertiary sector: ACE sector etc, ITO’s, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics, PTE’s, Universities, Wānanga.

16. Can a previous winner re-apply?

After a period of 6 years they can be re-nominated, but must signal that they have previously been successful and succinctly summarise the previous portfolio.

17. Where will I find more information on the rules?

The document on the Ako Aotearoa website (under Awards) provides the full guidelines, criteria and forms.

18. Can previous unsuccessful nominees reapply?

Yes, provided their portfolio meets the current criteria.

19. Does evidence of student evaluations need to be included?

Yes. This is most important and must be included together with an analysis of the methods, materials, assessments and relevant teaching materials used.

20. What can the award money be used for?

The funds are to be spent on activities and/or initiatives designed to enhance the recipient’s teaching career and promote best practice. The funds are given to the awardee for their own use.

21. Does a team nomination count as just one nomination and one award?

A team nomination is accepted as one nomination and the award would be shared and divided between the team members.

22. How should teaching team members structure their nomination, given that team teaching usually involves a single course? The course would not necessarily provide the level of sustained excellence required even though the individual teachers making up the team do meet the criteria.

The award criteria require the demonstration of sustained excellence over at least 6 years. If the members have been working as a team for the last six years on a particular course then the application can cover that course. If they have team taught a course for 3 years they would still individually have to meet or exceed all the criteria for 6 years and would still be entitled to make a team application. The criteria say in regard to a team application that ….the team as a whole must meet all the criteria.

For further information please contact the Academy at academy@akoaotearoa.ac.nz or an Ako Aotearoa Hub.

Some things to include:

Show how you have learned from your mistakes
Show innovation
Include details of work you have done outside of your organisation, overseas etc
Avoid clichés

Remember there is no one approach to writing - Let your personality and passion shine through

Resource page:

User login

Ako Aotearoa Academy of Tertiary Teaching Excellence

Ako Aotearoa Academy Of Tertiary Teaching Excellence community

Ako Aotearoa Academy of Tertiary Teaching Excellence categories

Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award Application FAQ's