UCU teacher Gerard van der Ree is the 2024 Teacher of the Year

Gerard van der Ree teaches at University College Utrecht. They were nominated by the students in the University College Student Council, who were enthusiastic about the "charismatic" nature of the lecturer.

"The word 'life-changing' was used several times, which goes to show the impact their education approach can have," says the chair of the jury, Associate Professor in Social Geography & Planning, Gery Nijenhuis, in her laudation.

According to the panel of judges, Van der Ree knows how to create a safe and stimulating ambience in the classroom. The UCU teacher stands out for their innovative education and testing formats. Their educational vision was considered "authentic, unconventional and coherent" by the jury, according to Nijenhuis.

Eighteen study associations have nominated teachers to run for the Teacher Awards in 2024. Three of them were shortlisted. The two others were Tom Wennekes, Assistant Professor in Pharmacy, and the biologist Jelle Zandveld.

Gerard van der Ree. Photo: Irem Zoodsma/ DUB

The award for most talented young teacher at UU goes to Gerrit Verwij this year. He is involved with Academic Primary Education Teacher Training (also known as Alpo) and the Education Science programme. Verweij was nominated by the study association Vocus.

According to the jury, Verwij is a "connector par excellence". He's good at building close relationships with students without losing sight of his role as teacher and coach. He is also skilful when it comes to connecting course materials with day-to-day practice in schools. As a result, students trust him and feel motivated.

In addition, according to chair Nijenhuis, Verweij plays an important role in the teaching body of the Pedagogy department and he's self-critical in a healthy way.

Gerrit Verweij. Photo: Irem Zoodsma/ DUB

Fifteen teachers were nominated by study associations for the award of most talented teacher with less than five years of experience at UU. The two other teachers who were shortlisted were movement scientist Lieke de Wit and the chemist Ward van der Stam.

The Teacher Awards consist of a trophy, which changes hands each year, and a monetary prize worth 5,000 euros. The winner of the Teacher Talent award gets 3,000 euros. All other nominees receive 1,000 euros each. The two study associations that nominate the winners receive 1,000 euros each as well.

For those who wish to know more about the six nominees, a video was presented on Thursday ahead of the announcement.