Congratulations to Gary Watt, winner of the Law Teacher of the Year Award 2009!
The national award, run in association with the UK Centre for Legal Education (UKCLE) and sponsored by Oxford University Press, culminated with an award ceremony held at UKCLE's annual conference on Friday 23 January 2009.
Gary Watt triumphed over three other finalists, taking home the winning cheque for £3,000. The decision followed a rigorous judging process spanning several months and involving nomination forms, campus visits to observe teaching, and interviews with the candidates, their students and heads of department.
Gary Watt was overwhelmed to win, and after acknowledging his fellow finalists has this to say about teaching: "Teaching keeps you honest, you cannot teach without passion. For me it is much more than giving information to my students, I want them to be inspired by what they are learning."
In memory of Alistair MacQueen, one of the Law Teacher of the Year judges and original sponsor of the award, who died in September 2008, OUP provided an additional grant of £1,000 which was awarded to Gary Watt. This grant will go towards supporting a charitable project the university is involved with.
Alison Bone, who presented this year's award was "delighted by the teaching talent that as a judge I have witnessed this year. It's heartening to see the dedication and commitment to teaching that all the finalists have demonstrated. I'm pleased to be part of an award that formally rewards and recognises such talent."
Below are the finalists for the 2009 competition in full:
Andrea Biondi - King's College London
Martha-Marie Kleinhans - University of Reading
Anna Lawson - University of Leeds
Gary Watt - University of Warwick
Andrea Biondi (King's College London)
The nomination came from two students who wrote:
"Confucius once said: '...Learning without satiety; and instructing others without being wearied...' This is probably the best term to describe Professor Biondi. He has given the term 'teaching and studying' a wholly new meaning and has taken it to a level which is probably unique in university studies."
Martha-Marie Kleinhans (University of Reading)
The nomination came from two colleagues who wrote:
"A key component to individual development is learning how to reflect upon experiences and use the past to further expand future opportunities. Dr. Kleinhans works hard to embed this practice in our law students - she is a leader in reflective learning in the school and she practices what she preaches."
Anna Lawson (University of Leeds)
Two of Anna's students nominated her citing:
"The clarity of her instruction is second to none, and is in a style that involves students in the learning experience rather than teaching from a distance or 'in isolation'. Anna's approach engages students in our own learning, creating a forum for discussion which is closely monitored."
Gary Watt (University of Warwick)
Gary's nomination came from a colleague and a student who noted:
"Gary's teaching stimulates and nurtures an inquisitive and rigorous approach to the study of law, encouraging independence of thought and a willingness to challenge conventional assumptions."
Special mentions
Patsy Gangari (Harrow College - withdrew from process on health grounds)
Two former students, and now colleagues of Patsy's nominated her for the award:
"Her enthusiasm and dedication to the subject has continuously over the years inspired many students to pursue a career in law."
Unfortunately Patsy had to withdraw from the judging process due to ill-health. We wish her a speedy recovery.
Suve Banerjee (formerly of University of Westminster)
Nominated by two of his students:
"Suve, through his rapport with students is able to inspire and motivate them... he encourages students to develop their skills and strengths and acts as the leader that students seek to emulate."
Suve has now moved back into practice and we are therefore unable to take the nomination forward, but thought he, alongside Patsy, deserved a special mention.
The award: its background and those involved
The Law Teacher of the Year Award - in association with UK Centre for Legal Education and sponsored by Oxford University Press - is a national award aimed at recognizing the vital role that teachers play in the education of tomorrow's lawyers, and rewarding achievement in teaching.
The winning teacher takes home a cheque for £3,000 to spend in any way they see fit.
Law Teacher of the Year 2010 home
