By Eimear Rabbitte,
Campus.ie Intern

It has been a bright start to the year for the National Academy with the launch of the 2010 National Award for Excellence in Teaching. The National Awards Programme was introduced in 2008 and aims to reward academic staff who have been successful in uniting the two roles of teaching and research. It is hoped that the awards will promote celebration of the teaching profession as well as public recognition of teaching accomplishments.

Five awards of €5,000 each will be made in the coming year to teachers who have not only achieved excellence in their fields but who are also innovative researchers in higher education in Ireland.

"These awards have the potential to profoundly enhance teaching policy and practice in Ireland across every discipline", said President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. The main function of the National Academy is to support and promote excellence in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and learning.

Senior managers of the 38 HEIs linked to the National Academy can submit a maximum of three nominations in regards to individuals or groups or staff members from a wide range of categories (Professor, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer, Assistant Lecturer, full-time, part-time etc). The National Academy has urged each of the 38 Institutions to recognise outstanding teaching by making a nomination for the 2010 National Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

The closing date for nomination entries is 21st May 2010.