'Those drunk students in my class were hilarious’

This year's Teacher Awards winners were announced earlier in March, at the Education Festival. Gerrit Verweij took home the Teacher Talent Award, which is meant for teachers working at UU for less than five years. The award for Teacher of the Year went to Gerard van der Ree. 

The jury appreciated Verweij’s strong education vision both inside and outside the classroom. “Gerrit is a true connector. He’s great at making connections between the content of the class, practice, and hot topics. By doing this, he is setting a wonderful example for students.” The jury also pointed out that Verweij connects with his students on a more personal level. One of the students who nominated him said: “Gerrit gives us a feeling of autonomy, we feel competent in what we do. That creates a bond and a safe environment.”

Verweij has been teaching at Utrecht University for two and a half years, where he’s involved with the Academic Primary Education Teacher Training (also known as its Dutch acronym, Alpo) and the Education Science programme. He obtained his own Alpo in Ede, where he also did a pre-master's programme, followed by a Master’s degree in Educational Sciences at Utrecht University. Before his current position, he worked as a consultant and primary school teacher.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher? 
“Yes, I’ve always wanted to become ‘Mister Gerrit.’ I focused on primary education at first because that's what I’ve wanted to do from a young age. After working there for a while, I felt the urge to develop myself a bit more through the consultancy route. Now, I’m back at teaching in a context that suits me well, namely academic education.”

Why does this way of teaching suit you better? 
“There were aspects of teaching at the primary level that I enjoyed, but there were also things I didn't like as much. For example, if you tell someone in fourth grade that they are there for themselves, not to please the teacher, it doesn't impress them much. As a primary school teacher, you're parenting a bit. In my current job, I like the fact that students have chosen the programme. It puts you in a more equal position, which suits me better."

Was there a teacher who inspired you when you were young?
“Absolutely! Mister Guido in seventh or eighth grade. He was my first male teacher. I really had a great time back then. Later, when I was training to become a teacher myself, I understood that he did amazing things that were incredibly inspiring to me. He saw every individual separately, each with their own unique needs. He also had a great sense of humour and the ability to put dry matter in children’s perspectives.”

What do you like about being a teacher? 
“I like the fact that you can see the effect of your work immediately. What I do matters. I see other people developing themselves. I also like the social character of the profession. It gives the students and myself energy –myself even more so. I’ve got the best job in the world.”

What is the best thing you’ve experienced as a teacher?
“Drunk students in my morning work group after carnival. It was hilarious. On the one hand, I respected them for showing up but, on the other hand, it soon became clear that the class would be better if they left as they were pretty noisy… Not exactly beneficial for the rest of the sober students. But it didn’t bother me, though. We’ve all been young.”

And what is the worst thing you’ve experienced as a teacher?
“I always get upset when I find out that students are having a rough time, personally. I'm always struck by that. I didn't enjoy teaching as much during the pandemic, either. I missed seeing people in real life. Even a quick chat about how someone’s doing is easier when you're seeing each other face to face.”

In your view, what is the perfect student like?
“What a great question. I don’t think that there’s a single profile. It’s rather extraordinary that there are so many different students. Perhaps that’s a politically correct answer, but I really mean it. I usually get excited when I see a certain level of independence and students being enthusiastic about their future profession. Basically, love for the profession as a basic attitude.”

At Utrecht University, many talented teachers have temporary contracts. There is always a fuss when a popular teacher has to leave. How do you feel about that?
“I have a four-year temporary contract too. I really enjoy teaching and I would like to stay. So, I wouldn't mind people protesting if I have to leave, haha."

Did many people congratulate you on your award?
“Yes, I wrote a post on LinkedIn, for example, and I got a lot of replies, which was great. But my grandmother also called to congratulate me. I got responses from every nook and cranny.”

How did you celebrate it?
“I went out to dinner with my wife and I put the flowers and the certificate in my living room. Now and then, I look at them to remind myself that it happened. This interview with DUB also keeps it alive. It’s quite an honour.”

What are you going to do with the trophy?
“I haven’t received the trophy yet because it still has to be engraved, but I’ve already cleared a spot for it. It will get a nice place in my living room.”

What will you spend the 3,000 euros you won on? 
"As a sensible man in his thirties, I’m going to save some of it. But, as a kid in a candy store, I will go to a nice board game shop as well and let myself spend a bit more money than usual. I also want to take the two students from Vocus, the student association that nominated me, out to dinner. They put a lot of time and love into my nomination, so they really deserve that.”