Recognise ME – teaching AND being a technician are not mutually exclusive! – Emily Salvesen

There’s a whirlwind out there. Add to the many things that you do already and help others with, what more can you fit in ? Everyone feels stretched at times and it’s so important that whilst doing your role well you also feel you are gaining recognition whether that’s a word of thanks or praise or a certificate. If you are doing teaching in your role, it may be time that you considered how you can gain professional recognition for this and give yourself a well-earned pat on the back. It will also add to your profile and may help your promotion chances too.

I’m not saying it will be easy to gain but there is help out there.

In the University of Edinburgh there’s a number of pathways to gain professional recognition for teaching and support for learning (UoE CPD Framework). All the pathways for this lead to recognition through fellowship in the Higher Education Academy in one of four categories. Each category has a descriptor within a document called the UK Professional Standards Framework. You need to look at these descriptors and see where you might fit in. Most technicians who are involved in teaching and support for learning are likely to be aiming for Associate Fellowship – but if you are experienced and highly involved in teaching (including assessment and feedback; design and delivery) you may be aiming for a higher category.

Have a read of these blogs and see if they inspire you to seek professional accreditation for your teaching – then have a look at the UoE CPD Framework to think about the pathway that suits you.

https://www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk/introap-recognising-and-developing-postgraduate-teaching/

https://www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk/time-well-spent-reflections-on-undertaking-the-edta/

https://www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk/doing-the-edinburgh-teaching-award/