A brief thread concerning a work colleague (who will likely be very embarrassed, but nonetheless..), who is deserving of significant public praise for his teaching of our students at @UCDMedicine, and who receives limited recognition of this outside of his classroom of students.

In brief, Mark Pickering ( @PickeringLabUCD) is probably the most talented lecturer I have worked with in 12 yrs at @UCDMedicine. I work closely with Mark on several (neuroscience-related) courses, and I witness his knowledge, enthusiasm, dedication & skill in teaching every day.

In particular, we work very closely on the UG Medicine+GE Medicine neuroscience modules, & share a passion in ensuring that students both UNDERSTAND & ENJOY LEARNING the subject. This requires a particular teaching skillset, & Mark's innovations in the classroom are 2nd-to-none.

Year after year, trimester after trimester, Mark receives significant praise in student evaluations. Sometimes such praise can relate (artificially) to popularity, but it is clear in Mark's case that students appreciate his passion & skill for teaching & for helping them succeed.

In terms of recognising a great teacher, students play their part at @UCDMedicine, but again, the recognition in place could be viewed as a popularity contest. Staff seem less willing to recognise their colleagues, which is why I am (publicly) nominating Mark for the #UTLAwards

I am not sure of the reason. The competitive culture of academia. Jealousy. Indifference. But staff do not do enough to ensure that their colleagues are recognised, where warranted. #UTLAwards

Re.teaching, it is one thing for an academic to deliver an inspiring session on a particular topic; it is quite another to have someone devoted to their craft, & striving with each iteration to re-invent & enhance their teaching sessions & courses for the benefit of our students.

On behalf of our students (& staff), thank you Mark for the job that you do at @UCDMedicine. Your skills & dedication to teaching research students deserve another thread, but I think the best compliment I could pay you is that I wish you had taught me neuro in college!

(Knowing Mark, he'd probably start deflecting praise away from himself, but this is about him.)
Also, students, you are eligible to nominate too, so please do, and staff - #PlayYourPart

[I should note that this has been prompted by yet another round of positive student evaluations from last trimester, coinciding with the release of provisional exam results today, but I think long-overdue peer recognition; brilliant teacher.]