Teaching in higher education has its own knowledge base and is a skill that can be learned. A good foundation of ideas and practices leads to satisfaction for both staff and students. I’m delighted to be associated with Epigeum’s University Teaching: Core Skills programme: it is designed to fit into the busy work lives of those who will take it. Part of my role is to ensure that the course is informed by the latest research on teaching in higher education and speaks to the challenges faced by those relatively new to teaching.

It’s a privilege to be involved in this project because developing teachers’ core skills impacts on the quality of student learning. The creation of motivating, challenging learning opportunities for students makes a positive difference to their ability to reach their full potential. Well-taught graduates can think critically about the world around them and ultimately help to change it for the better. The international reach of the project combined with cutting-edge approaches to resource generation are inspiring.

The role and value of the teacher in higher education has, arguably, never been more important than it is right now. Whilst we recognise and celebrate the research agenda and the role of universities as agents of community engagement, it continues to be our role as educators for which we are most often recognised and acknowledged.